GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Green Bay school board met Tuesday to discuss possible solutions on overcrowding in east side schools.
The district says schools at all levels on the east side of the city are running out of room.
The school board is debating the possibilities of an April referendum to ease the overcrowding.
Several referendum combinations from $50 million up to $110 million for the upcoming April ballot are on the table.
School Board president Brenda Warren spoke to WLUK.
“Not every district is in this position. We have a very strong financial situation. We have debt that’s coming off so we can replace that debt with more debt and have that level property tax”
The public was able to voice its opinions Tuesday.
Many focused on the overcrowding at the elementary schools. District estimates show a need of 1,100 spots for new elementary students in the next few years.
Of particular concern is Baird Elementary School. A new school there would cost upwards of $25 million.
“Students are crammed into classrooms that are typically the size of, maybe, our bedrooms at home,” said Elizabeth Chatham.
“We don’t want our kids to go to a school where you have to pull out a five gallon bucket to sit on, I think we want an art room where you don’t have to go to the bathroom,” added Julie Piton.
But not everyone thinks the new school is the answer, or even necessary.
Some, like Edward Jensen, say the cost is too high and that overcrowding issues can be solved by shifting students to other schools.
“That’s the thing that needs to be done first. Whether Baird needs to be replaced, that’s immaterial. We’ve gotta solve the real problem that nobody seems to have the guts to do: fix the attendance areas”
The board did not make any final decisions about what will be in the final referendum. Members DID agree, it’s not likely they’ll put plans for a new $80 million high school on there.
They also decided to start a task force to figure out space needs at Preble High School long term.
The board has until January 24th to decide on the referendum question or questions to get it on the April ballot.
The district is also planning listening sessions for citizens between now and then.
