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Madison schools to consolidate preschool classrooms at Brown Elementary after renovation tour
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Craig Cook told the board the district plans to move preschool classrooms to Brown School, reducing from four to three classrooms next year to balance enrollment; the board heard details about the Brown Elementary renovation and related capital work.
The Madison Public Schools Board of Education heard a superintendent report that would move the district’s preschool classrooms to Brown Elementary School next year as part of a reconfiguration to balance enrollment across buildings.
Dr. Craig Cook said the district plans to consolidate preschool classrooms, shifting the three‑year‑old classrooms to Brown and moving from four total preschool classrooms (currently split between Brown and Neck River) to three next year. “We are planning on moving all of our preschool classrooms to Brown,” Cook said, adding that the change responds to current enrollment projections and will be worked through in the district budget process.
The move is intended to relieve crowding and balance student populations across elementary buildings. Cook said the district projects it can operate three preschool classrooms based on current enrollment estimates and principals’ planning, but cautioned that preschool enrollment is uncertain because some eligible two‑year‑olds have not yet been identified. He said staff and families will receive communication about locations and transitions once details are finalized.
Board members also heard a facilities update after a tour of Brown Elementary. Facilities committee member Emily described the renovated building as “beautiful,” noting a refreshed library, new preschool classrooms, dedicated spaces for intervention and PT/OT, murals, a new playground and updated corridors. The chair and multiple board members praised the work as a large transformation, and staff said a few finishing items remain in the capital improvement plan (CIP), including a cafeteria floor and kitchen work and future window projects.
Cook noted there will be budget implications tied to enrollment and staffing. He said the budget will include some additional teachers at Neck River and other grade adjustments as part of normal planning. The board did not take formal action on the preschool consolidation at tonight’s public meeting; Cook said the administration will continue planning and report back as part of budget discussions.
Next steps: staff will communicate transitions to families, finalize staffing needs through the budget process and complete the remaining CIP work at Brown during the coming months.
