La Crosse School District begins two-month study process, which could lead to building closing decisions

Just before Christmas, the La Crosse School District scheduled four meetings where building needs would be discussed, leading up to an expected vote on school closings in late February.

The first of those meetings happened Monday.

The district said that school board meeting included several options for long-term building needs.

During Monday’s session, the school board reviewed the following:

• Review Context: The board reviewed the current situation, examining key factors influencing the district’s educational landscape.
• Establish Board Goals: General objectives were outlined to guide the planning process.
• Review Administration’s Long-Range Facility Plan 2050: The proposed plan for 2050 was presented, serving as a cornerstone for the district’s forward-looking initiatives.
• Consider Facility Options: The board explored various options to address the evolving challenges in enrollment, finances, and aging infrastructure.
• Identify Requests for Information: Key information needs were identified to ensure an informed decision-making process.

The proposals include cutting the district budget without closing any schools, but other options involve closing or finding new uses for schools such as Hintgen, North Woods, Emerson and Spence — all elementary schools.

During their first meeting of 2024, board members set down some goals and reviewed the 2050 Long-Range Facility Plan.

At the Jan. 22 board meeting, the district will evaluate options for building use that are available.

After eight months of study, the Facilities Advisory Committee held public meetings during the fall to narrow the options for buildings that could be closed.

The La Crosse School Board is still scheduled to vote at its Feb. 19 session on a recommendation to close schools. The committee’s final plan was to shut down North Woods and Hintgen.

To learn more about the district’s strategic planning process, visit https://www.lacrosseschools.org/long-range-facility-planning/.