OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – Due to the building’s deteriorating condition, Oshkosh’s Smith Elementary School may close permanently at the end of this school year.
The school board will discuss the school’s future next Wednesday, with a staff recommendation to close it, according to a letter that was sent to families.
That letter states that the building is safe, but its long-term outlook is bleak:
“However, the reality is that the school building is very old and is in need of significant and ongoing maintenance – including but not limited to extensive, impending roof repairs and foundation work. As such, we are concerned that the continuing roof problems will result in a situation in which we cannot guarantee the building’s long-term safety. Additionally, the District has been informed that fixing the school’s roof will be exceedingly expensive. With this understanding, we are in a position that requires us to evaluate our options and have some very difficult conversations about what is best for our students and our school,” the letter states.
According to documents from the school district, the repairs could cost at least $3.7 million.
Students would likely be transferred to Jefferson Elementary and Shapiro STEM Academy, if the school is indeed closed.
“District and school leaders have closely examined the capacity of both Jefferson Elementary School and Shapiro STEM Academy and are confident that all options will allow the previous success and strengths of all of the school communities to continue into the future,” the letter states.
An informational session for parents will be held at the school on May 23 at 6 p.m., in addition to the May 22 school board meeting.
Smith Elementary School was built in 1895.
