Board split on directive to study alternate uses for Weekiaki Elementary; tie vote blocks resolution

The Green Bay Area Public School District Board of Education considered and ultimately failed to adopt a resolution on March 17 that would have directed staff to explore creative uses for the Weekiaki Elementary School building and grounds and to postpone soliciting bids while that study was completed.

Board member Andrew (last name given in transcript as "Andrew") introduced the resolution asking staff to work with community members to determine whether reasonable demand exists for non‑standard uses of the site — for example outdoor or environmental education — and to delay any bid solicitations until the board reviewed staff findings.

Supporters argued the property’s setting made it well suited to alternative uses and that the bulk of near‑term savings from the school closure had already been realized through staff reductions. Opponents and cautious board members said they feared an open‑ended study could incur ongoing holding costs (insurance, maintenance) and delay the district’s fiscal actions. Several board members asked for clearer scope and timelines for any staff investigation.

When the board voted on the resolution, the roll call resulted in a tie and the motion did not pass. Recorded votes were: Crossen (aye), Crossan (aye), Mills (aye), Becker (aye), McCoy (no), Lyerly (no), Gerlach (no). With the tie, the resolution failed.

Board members agreed at points during the debate that closing the school had been approved previously but that the question of disposal or alternative uses remained open; the failed resolution would have asked staff to look at creative options rather than proceed immediately to solicitations. The board did approve a related administrative timeline to move forward on other property actions during the meeting, while Weekiaki will remain under district control pending further discussion.