WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau Board of Education has approved closing four elementary schools as part of its ongoing district restructuring plan.
Elementary Schools now slated for closure include Hewitt-Texas, Grant, Rib Mountain, and Lincoln. Three of those schools could be repurposed including Hewitt-Texas, which could house a new charter school focused on outdoor learning. Only Grant would be slated for closure and sale.
The board also discussed colors, mascots, and logos for the new Junior and Senior High Schools, something that was forced by plans to remodel and redesign. Superintendent Keith Hilts said at this point things are very preliminary. The only discussions that have been had have occurred in passing with coaches and others in the athletic departments.
“[What we’ve found is] surprise, opinions vary,” Hilts told the board on Monday. “As to whether they should remain the same or [should be] something totally different. The Wolfpack idea got some interest. Bull Falls High School, there are all sorts of ideas out there.”
Board Member Karen Vandenberg says she thinks there are many more discussions that need to happen on the issue, and even as it stands now the branding for the new school won’t be ready in time for the first year. “This will need to happen over time. That’s news to me, and it’s not at all how I envisioned that restructure would look to be totally honest with you. It’s something that I really think needs to be brought to the table because in order for this merge to be successful we really do need a unified vision that people are getting behind.”
No final decision is expected anytime soon. It’s also unclear what formal process the board will enlist to make that decision.
