6 Kenosha schools to close; expected to cut $8M of $15M budget deficit
KENOSHA, Wis. - The Kenosha Unified School Board voted Tuesday night, Dec. 12 to close down six schools. The decision came hours after emotional discussion among parents, students, and staff.
The school board voted to close six of seven schools it had on Tuesday's agenda. Five elementary schools will shut their doors – including Edward Bain School Of Language And Art, Jefferson, McKinley, Stocker and Vernon.
Lincoln Middle School would will also close – and Washington will move to the Edward Bain School Of Language And Art building. Reuther Central High School will stay open – but it plans to cut some of its staff members.
Kenosha school board meets Dec. 12 to discuss proposed closures and changes
Since last month, the district has been weighing plans to consolidate schools, change school boundaries and potentially merge programs. The school board said the changes may be necessary due to declining enrollment.
Hundreds of people attended the meeting Tuesday night, with others rallying outside the building. Many of those who attended spoke out against the proposed changes.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
"We owe it to our children and our families to look at every scenario possible that doesn't include closing any of the schools," said Tanya McLean, parent and executive director of Leaders of Kenosha.
Kenosha school closures; 'walk-in' Friday as district explores cuts
Students, staff and supporters of Kenosha's Lincoln Middle School protested the school board’s recommendation to close the school.
Over roughly a decade, school district enrollment dropped from its 2012 peak of 23,000 to less than 19,000 in 2023. School funding is based on the number of students a district has.
There are three options for Reuther High School: close, create different academies within the district, or remain open with a reduced staff. There would be a projected displacement of up to 2.8% for high school students.
These moves are expected to cut $8 million of the district's budget deficit of $15 million.