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Board begins process to study high school configuration after public survey; removes conflicting policy
Summary
Superintendent presented survey results and process options for reviewing East/West high school configuration; the board voted to remove Policy 119 so a custom board-approved process can be developed with community input.
The West Bend Joint School District No. 1 board discussed potential next steps for a formal review of the district’s high school configuration on June 23 and voted to remove an existing policy (Policy 119) that prescribed an earlier task-force approach so the board can adopt a fresh, board-approved process.
Superintendent Wimmer said the district collected more than 1,100 preliminary survey responses from families, staff and older students during the spring and used that feedback to identify themes for any future review: enrollment and academic analyses, athletics and co-curricular impacts, staffing implications, identity and culture, and student mental health. “We had over 1,100 responses,” Wimmer told trustees, and the administration presented a menu of engagement options and timelines ranging from six months to two years.
Why this matters: East–West high-school configuration is a recurring community topic in West Bend; the district last examined it in 2008. Any change would have wide operational and cultural effects, including athletics, conferences, school identities, staffing and facility planning.
Board members debated timeline and the level of analysis required before presenting any question to the community. Mr. Bickler said a 2026–27 deadline “seems very fast,” while other trustees said the board might be able to reach a decision point relatively quickly but should give administration substantial time to implement any change. One trustee asked for scenario planning that would show how student activities, sports, homecoming, and staffing would work if the district moved to a single high school.
Action taken: the board approved removal of Policy 119 (High School Configuration Review Process) at third reading so administration can develop a bespoke process that draws on the survey feedback, convenes focus groups and returns to the board with a recommended timeline and engagement plan. The removal passed by voice vote.
Next steps: Superintendent Wimmer will draft a process framework and timeline options for the board, including suggested focus groups for academics, athletics, staffing and culture. The administration will use fall months to begin outreach when families and students are back in session, and the board will discuss the draft process in subsequent meetings.
Ending: Trustees said they want a clear burden-of-proof analysis — show the impacts and a realistic timeline for any change — and to engage students, alumni and community stakeholders early in the process.
