West Bend board reviews Jackson schematic; McLean and Greentree work to start this summer

West Bend Joint School District No. 1 on May 27 heard a detailed schematic-design update for the new Jackson Elementary School and a construction schedule for McLean and Greentree elementary renovations, with architects and contractors outlining site layout, classroom planning, materials and near-term bidding plans.

The presentation, led by Katie LaCourte of EUA, described the Jackson design as orienting classroom wings to maximize daylight and views of a wetland north of the site, placing the library at the building’s center, and separating bus and parent traffic to improve safety. “Daylight very strongly links to student performance,” LaCourte said while explaining classroom placement and the decision to rotate classroom wings to admit more light into interior courtyards.

Superintendent Julie Wimmer and the design team said construction on Jackson is scheduled to begin in March 2026 with the school expected to open for the fall 2027 semester. The current schematic estimate is about $1.2 million over the prereferral referendum total; the presenters said that figure corresponds to two optional, flexible classrooms in the kindergarten–first-grade wing that the district asked be priced now for possible future use. “That cost is $1,200,000, roughly for those additions,” Wimmer said while noting district discussion is needed on whether to include that work now.

Design and program details - Grade configuration: kindergarten through…