Waukesha School Board Considers Closure of Elementary Schools

Waukesha, September 11, 2025

News Summary

The Waukesha School Board is deliberating the closure of four elementary schools due to significant declines in enrollment. Schools under consideration include Bethesda, Hawthorne, Prairie, and Lowell Elementary. Parents express concerns about the impact on their children’s education and longer commutes, particularly for those with special needs. The district’s enrollment has dropped from over 13,000 to approximately 10,500, with projections suggesting it could fall further by 2034. No final decisions will be made until the board meeting, anticipated by the end of the year.

Waukesha – The Waukesha School Board is currently deliberating the closure of four elementary schools in light of significant enrollment declines. The schools under consideration are Bethesda, Hawthorne, Prairie, and Lowell Elementary, as the district grapples with a troubling drop in student numbers.

Concerns from parents and community members have surfaced as the school board conducts its budget reviews and plans to address low enrollment numbers. This worry is particularly palpable for families with students at the affected schools. For instance, a father of a 10-year-old special needs student expressed apprehension over how a potential closure of Lowell Elementary, where his daughter has attended since she was three years old, would impact her education and well-being.

The situation raises further concerns as the proposed changes could necessitate longer commutes for students, who currently have the convenience of walking to school. Instead of a short walk, some students may have to drive to their new schools, which could pose additional challenges for families.

The district’s enrollment numbers have seen a steep decline, dropping from more than 13,000 students in the 2012-2013 school year to approximately 10,500 at present. Projections suggest that this trend may continue, with estimates forecasting enrollment could fall as low as 8,776 by 2034. In response, the district aims to reduce building capacities by 10% to 15% to align with these trends.

In an effort to address the enrollment issue, the district has put forward several options, including redistricting, grade shifts, and potential school closures. This plan notably includes the consolidation of schools and the formation of a new K-8 STEM school. Bethesda Elementary, in particular, has been identified for closure in multiple proposals. In addition to discussions around school closures, the district also proposes property sales and revisions to the dual language program.

Parents have actively expressed their concerns regarding these potential changes, particularly at Lowell Elementary, where many gathered during morning drop-offs to voice their opinions. A group of mothers articulated their frustrations about potentially losing their neighborhood school, highlighting the close-knit community atmosphere that currently exists.

As the school board continues to review the options, it emphasizes that no final decisions regarding closures have been made. Further analysis and discussion will occur, with the next key board meeting set for 6 p.m. at the Blair Administration Building. The final decision on school consolidations is anticipated by the end of the calendar year, with any resulting changes expected to be implemented in the fall of 2026.

Community members are urging the school board to reassess the enrollment data, citing discrepancies and the potential adverse effects on lower-income students that could arise from the proposed changes. As the district navigates this difficult situation, the future of these schools remains uncertain, with parents and educators alike keeping a close watch on developments.

Summary of Key Points

• The Waukesha School Board is considering the closure of four elementary schools due to declining enrollment.
• The schools at risk include Bethesda, Hawthorne, Prairie, and Lowell Elementary.
• Projections suggest enrollment could drop to 8,776 students by 2034 from over 13,000 in 2012-2013.
• Parents and community members have raised concerns about the impact of closures, especially for students with special needs.
• No final decisions will be made until a board meeting, with a target decision date at the end of the calendar year.

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Additional Resources

• WISN: Waukesha School Board Considers Elementary School Closures
• Wikipedia: Waukesha, Wisconsin
• Jsonline: Waukesha School District Plans School Closures
• Google Search: Waukesha school closures
• TMJ4: Waukesha Families Speak Out on School Closures
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Waukesha
• Fox 6 Now: Waukesha School Closures and Parent Concerns
• Google News: Waukesha school district

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