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Board approves open-enrollment space projections; district reports behavioral referrals decline
Summary
The board approved the district’s open-enrollment space projections for 2025–26 and heard a behavioral-data update showing overall declines in referrals, pre-expulsions and out-of-school suspensions.
The Waukesha School District board approved open-enrollment space projections for the 2025–26 application period during its Jan. 15 meeting, fulfilling a statutory annual review. The open-enrollment application window runs Feb. 3–April 30, 2025.
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services (referred to in the meeting as Mr. Patter) presented the projections and described the process. Mr. Patter told the committee that state law (Wis. Stat. § 118.51) requires the board to declare seats available at each grade level; the board approved the projections on a 9–0 vote.
Board members also received a behavioral-data update. The district reported a decline in a majority of referral categories compared with the previous year, including a drop in pre-expulsions and out-of-school suspensions. The data showed higher referral rates at seventh grade and declining referrals as students progress; seniors were referred at the lowest rates.
Why it matters: open-enrollment space decisions determine whether out-of-district students may apply to attend and behavioral trends relate to student engagement and school climate.
Clarifying details and questions: During discussion a trustee asked whether denials of open-enrollment requests were due to staffing or other factors; Mr. Patter said denials in 2024–25 numbered 57 and could result from capacity, prior behavioral records or other fit considerations.
Ending: The board approved the open-enrollment projections unanimously; Student Services will continue to monitor behavior data and report to the committee.
