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Superintendent says districts exploring shared use of UW Washington County site; no formal commitments yet
Summary
Superintendent Wimmer updated the board on district participation in conversations about potential shared programs or consolidation at the former UW-Washington County site, including a proposed college center at Moraine Park; work is at the exploratory stage and no formal commitments were made.
Superintendent Wimmer told the West Bend School Board on April 14 that local public school districts have been invited to explore shared uses of the former UW-Washington County campus, and that UW and Moraine Park have been working on a plan to open a college center there.
Wimmer said the district previously participated on an original task force and recently submitted a joint letter of interest with other local districts. "I'm really happy to report that UW is opening a college center at Moraine Park," Wimmer said, and added that the new center could restore some four-year opportunities that were lost when the UW campus closed.
District representatives discussed potential shared uses including consolidated career and workforce-development programs, shared student services such as mental-health resources, and a central hub for youth apprenticeships and career pathways. Wimmer emphasized the districts' position that public-school partners are not market-rate tenants and noted the districts' interest in scheduling and managing shared spaces for community benefit.
The county has separately requested representation on a task force examining development around Fair Park Elementary School; the board was told it will consider formal assignment of representatives in a forthcoming organizational meeting.
No board action was taken; Superintendent Wimmer said she would keep the board informed as task-force work proceeds and more details are provided by the county and community organizers.
