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Board directs administration to compile feasibility report on alternative uses for Cunningham building
Summary
After public discussion and board debate, the School District of Beloit voted 5–1 to ask administration to compile a feasibility report outlining alternative uses for the Cunningham building, including the option of converting it to a middle school; staff will draw on existing facility resources and enrollment projections.
The School District of Beloit board voted on March 18 to direct administration to compile a feasibility report on alternative uses for the Cunningham building, including consideration of reopening it as a middle school. The motion instructs staff to use existing resources and available data (enrollment projections, facility considerations and timelines) rather than commissioning a new paid study.
Board member Tom Hankins originally moved a narrowly worded feasibility request focused on converting Cunningham to a middle school; that motion initially tied in a 3–3 vote and failed. After additional discussion and a revised motion from board member Amy Levy to broaden the directive, the board approved the administration’s report request 5–1. The revised motion tasks facilities staff with compiling a feasibility report that considers alternative uses for Cunningham and incorporates enrollment projections and district facility planning information.
Board members said the request responds to continuing public comment and community interest on west‑side middle‑school options and asked staff to include cost estimates, timelines and an explanation of historical decisions that led to the current configuration. Board member Megan Miller said she supported revisiting the topic but asked the board to be candid about statewide enrollment declines and the broader facilities context; other members emphasized the need for transparent analysis and community communication.
Board President Tia Johnson was not present for the early discussion; Vice President Brian Nichols and several board members supported moving forward with a staff report rather than immediately committing to any reconfiguration. Facilities director Mark Brickell (not present at the meeting) had previously indicated to board leadership that he would prepare a comprehensive report.
The motion’s final wording directs administration to compile a feasibility study — using existing district resources where possible — on alternative uses for the Cunningham building. The board did not approve any immediate funding or construction steps; it requested information to inform future decisions and potential community conversations.
