Columbus Elementary School in Appleton is seen Dec. 10, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — With Columbus Elementary School closing in June, the Appleton Area School District voted unanimously Monday night to relocate students to Edison Elementary School.
This comes after months of listening sessions with the community.
While it’s been open for more than 100 years, Columbus’ boundary contained less than 100 students.
Superintendent Greg Hartjes spoke about the decision after the board meeting.
“We’ve had some shifts in our enrollment where there’s now more room at Edison, and so we’re able to solve this challenge that has existed for many years, and so we’re happy to be able to do that, and certainly considering the safety of our students,” he said.
Edison will also be receiving a portion of Franklin and Dunlap Elementary schools’ attendance zone. Hartjes said the plan aims to improve more than just attendance.
We want to work with families to make the best situation possible for their child, and we know that happens first and foremost with having outstanding teachers and educators in our buildings.
Resident Oliver Zarnow voiced concerns about the walkability with such a large boundary prior to the vote.
“Please prioritize walkability and neighborhood integrity as you make these decisions tonight. After the decision, I think it’s important to reflect on why it took so long to address these concerns from school principals, from parents and families, and neighbors that have persisted for years,” he said.
Along with walkability, Christy Codner also expressed concerns about transition plans for the coming year.
“Upon reviewing the Appleton Area School District website, I was disappointed to have difficulty finding any detailed plan,” she said.
Hartjes added the plan is still in progress, and won’t be overseen by him.
“It’s going to happen by the staff members that work at Edison and Columbus. It’s going to be done by the PTO parents that are going to be involved,” he said.
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