New Berlin board approves universal 4K program for 2025–26 school year

The Board of Education of the School District of New Berlin voted to approve a universal, half‑day 4K program to begin in the 2025–26 school year.

The board passed the motion after a staff presentation on logistics and capacity, questions from board members about enrollment, wraparound care and taxes, and public comment from a parent urging approval. The motion was made by Miss Crosby and seconded by Mister Helmer; the board adopted the program by voice vote with two members absent.

The school district and staff told the board the program will be offered as half‑day sessions, consistent with other Waukesha County districts, and that registration will ask families for a morning/afternoon preference but cannot guarantee placement. District staff said they expect to finalize registration logistics within about two weeks and begin a layered communications plan including video, mailings and website updates. A district administrator said, “we are recommending approval of the k 4 program as presented.”

At public comment, Bridget Peterson, identifying herself as “a parent of a 3 year old and a 2 year old in the New Berlin School District,” urged the board to approve universal 4K, saying it would strengthen community connections and support early friendships that influence later school choices. “Tonight is your chance to remedy that by hopefully approving the universal 4 ks that's on the agenda tonight,” she said.

Staff told the board they are working with two third‑party providers to offer wraparound (before/after) care; current data shows roughly 50 percent utilization of wraparound services in comparable settings, though staff said that figure may reflect limited capacity and could change if slots increase. Staff also described planned capacity: up to five 4K sections at Ronald Reagan and up to two at Elmwood, with final assignments driven by registration and geography.

District administrators emphasized that initial state grant funding for the program is allocated based on the number of enrolled students rather than a flat district amount. As a result, enrollment directly affects revenue in year one; staff said lower-than-expected enrollment would reduce first‑year grant revenue but also reduce first‑year program expenses.

Board discussion included questions about space planning should city housing developments increase future enrollment, and a board member who expressed long-standing caution about adding 4K noted concerns about potential levy impact and community outreach. Another board member asked whether postponing the decision would risk losing one‑time grant funding; staff replied that a decision tonight would best support a timely registration and communications rollout.

The vote took place with two members absent (Miss Konnick and Mister Seidel). The motion was made by Miss Crosby and seconded by Mister Helmer; the board approved the program by voice vote.

Next steps listed by staff include finalizing registration forms in Infinite Campus, confirming wraparound providers, starting communications and beginning hiring for 4K positions. The district plans to report back to the board as planning and registration proceed.