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Appleton board votes to repurpose Columbus Elementary; students to transition to Edison
Summary
The Appleton Area School District board approved a motion to repurpose Columbus Elementary School and transition current Columbus students to Edison Elementary, citing low enrollment, academic performance and staff turnover. The board asked administration to develop a transition plan and to seek community input on attendance-boundary options.
The Appleton Area School District Board of Education voted to repurpose Columbus Elementary School and transition the building’s students to Edison Elementary, based on a recommendation from district administration.
Board President Kay Eggert convened discussion and Superintendent Mr. Hartzell presented the administration recommendation, saying the district had monitored Columbus enrollment "for many years" and that the recent need to relocate other programs forced a decision point. Board member Edward Ruffalo moved to accept the administration recommendation; the motion was seconded by James Bacon.
The board, citing low enrollment at Columbus, persistently low test scores and high staff turnover, argued the change would give Columbus students a better learning environment and would help Edison maintain staffing levels. Ruffalo said the repurposing, if “executed properly,” could "provide a better…
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