Kenosha school closures; 'walk-in' Friday as district explores cuts

KENOSHA, Wis. - Students, staff and supporters of Kenosha's Lincoln Middle School protested the school board’s recommendation to close the school Friday morning, Dec. 8.

The "walk-in" took place at Lincoln Park. The district faces declining enrollment and a budget deficit; it will soon be up to the school board to decide what's next.

Lincoln Middle School's closure would save the district roughly $2 million, according to officials. Approximately 15% of students would be displaced.

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The administration also recommends closing five elementary schools, which would save $5 million. The closures would impact EBSOLA Creative Arts, Jefferson, McKinley, Stocker and Vernon. Roughly 20% of elementary students would be impacted by closures and boundary changes.

"It's hard, I was at McKinley when that closed and watched kids go out to other schools," said teacher Dawn Clayton. "The acceptance at those other schools took years to get to, the first few years when they left McKinley were really tough on those kids, and it tore apart a community that was built there…I foresee that happening here as well."

Lincoln Middle School 'walk-in'

There are three options for Reuther High School as well: 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.

Over roughly a decade, school district enrollment dropped by 4,000 students. 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.

Declining birth rates mean less money. The district said school funding reforms are unlikely, and inflation will continue to impact revenue. The district is projected to have a $15 million deficit for the next fiscal year.