OASD Board to discuss facilities, future needs
Oconomowoc Area Schools – Facilities and future needs will be the focus of a workshop planned this week for School Board members.
Continued increases in student enrollment and a rescinded offer of purchase on the former Oconomowoc Middle School will be the topics of the meeting planned for 4 p.m. Feb. 25 at Meadow View School.
Eyeing a three-year trend that has seen a minimum of 100 new students joining the district each year, board members are poised to examine ideas and proposals to meet the emerging need.
"There's a lot of growth coming at us. We have over 300 new students the last three years. If those kids fell in a certain age group, that would be another school. But it's spread across all grades," said Board President Don Wiemer.
"If we added 120 students this school year, with a bad economy and no subdivisions going, let's get the facts out on the table and develop a prudent plant to deal with the growth.
"What is the plan when the economy recovers, as Ixonia and Ashippun grow, when Bielinski plans 400 to 500 units on Highway P; what's the plan going to be?" he asked.
"We need to look out a few years from now. The district doesn't have a plan for future growth, and I think we need to talk about it.
"That's why we're having the workshop, to brainstorm. I like to be more proactive than reactive to growth," Wiemer said.
Topics under consideration at the meeting will also include discussion related to the former Oconomowoc Middle School.
Nelson Group withdrew its $1.2 million offer on the from middle school earlier this year, but has expressed interest in future discussions with the board over the property.
"We'll look at any offer," Wiemer said.
A faltering economy, poor real estate market and lack of available financing worked in concert to sour the proposed sale.
Taking note of those conditions, the board will explore other scenarios.
"Is selling the most prudent thing to do right now?" Wiemer asked.
The former middle school is situated on 8 acres adjacent to the high school. Wiemer said there may be other avenues of use to investigate.
"If some day that property can be factored into the long-range plan for the district, what would it cost? These thoughts may be cost prohibitive. I think it's the right thing to do to have these discussions," he added.
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