Board approves Harborside Academy’s conversion from charter to district choice school

The Kenosha Unified School District Board of Education voted to convert Harborside Academy from a district instrumentality charter school to a district choice school effective Jan. 26, 2026.

Administrators recommended the change, saying the move will align Harborside with district systems, streamline budgeting, tech support and curriculum adoption, and preserve the school’s expeditionary learning model. Michelle Santelli, the district’s regional coordinator of high schools, and Trent Barnhart, Harborside’s principal, told the board families have been informed and current students will retain enrollment under the district choice process.

Board discussion focused on outreach and equitable enrollment. Dr. Price, who moved approval, asked how the district will ensure families with interest learn about the choice program; Santelli said Harborside follows the district’s choice‑school outreach — advertising to families, open houses and opportunities for students to shadow and present to prospective families. Principal Barnhart said students help represent the school at events; student ambassador Rachel Van Hoof also spoke earlier about Harborside’s culture, telling the board a classroom is “not only 4 walls.”

Vote and next steps: The motion to approve the conversion was made, seconded, and the board voted in favor (voice vote); staff will implement the program guide description and carry forward the school’s state school number for accountability reporting. No change to current student enrollment status was required, and administrators said they will continue outreach to ensure equitable access for prospective students.

The conversion will be incorporated into the district’s choice‑school program materials and implemented according to the timeline presented to the board.