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Long‑range facilities study projects ~680 more students by 2040; elementary capacity could tighten in 2030s
Summary
Consultant Mark (MD Roper) told the Waunakee board that housing growth and rising birth rates could add about 680 K–12 students by 2040, warning Arboretum and Prairie elementary schools may approach capacity in the late 2030s and recommending early site acquisition and planning.
A long‑range facility and enrollment study presented to the Waunakee Community School District board projected roughly 680 additional K–12 students between now and 2040 — an average of about 45 students per year — primarily driven by new housing and a larger reproductive‑age population.
Consultant Mark (MD Roper) summarized housing and demographic drivers and explained that new housing unit production and a recent uptick in births are the main contributors to future enrollment growth. He said new housing generates roughly 0.7 students per new home (Village average 0.68), though that varies by housing type and community. The consultant cautioned that Arbor etum and Prairie elementary attendance areas could approach functional capacity by the late 2030s if no changes are made.
Mark advised that the district consider early site acquisition and a public planning process well ahead of need to avoid time‑pressured decisions when capacity constraints arrive. He noted intermediate school capacity could be extended by adding classrooms (the building can accommodate a four‑classroom addition to gain roughly 100 students) and that high school functional issues are more programmatic than capacity driven.
Board members asked about timing for seeking referendum or beginning a new long‑range facilities cycle; Mark said starting the public process in the early‑to‑mid 2030s would be reasonable, but recommended the district maintain awareness of site availability in the meantime.
Next steps: staff will use the report to inform February facility committee project prioritization and to continue monitoring enrollment trends and available sites.
