Kohler board approves 19 open-enrollment seats, signals intent to add third 4K section

The Kohler School District Board voted 4–1 to approve 19 open-enrollment seats under the board''s option 2 and expressed its intent to open a third 4K section in the 2025''6 school year, following a discussion that included public commenters and board members.

Lisa Willitson, a Kohler resident and parent, told the board she''d reviewed Department of Public Instruction and district open-enrollment data and urged a comprehensive, data-driven review of long-term impacts on resident students. "When we take a look at the data starting in February, nonresident students accounted for 15% or 79 students of our district's total enrollment. By 2013''14 that figure had increased to 28% or 207 students. And just last year with the 23'—24 school year, nonresident students made up 37.5% or 278 students," Willitson said, asking the board to examine effects on extracurriculars, resource allocations, teacher workload and school identity.

Nicole Whitwer, a Kohler teacher, parent and 4K co-leader, urged the board to include teacher voices in decisions about 4K structure. She said staff oppose creating an afternoon JK section and warned it would be "not equitable, not sustainable, and does not justify eliminating the Spanish special for approximately 300 elementary students." Whitwer said staff preferred keeping JK in the morning even if class sizes flex slightly larger.

Board members discussed enrollment projections, sibling counts and special-education needs before voting. One board member noted the motion did not prescribe an afternoon program. The motion''s text approved by the board authorized "19 open enrollment seats in option 2 as discussed in the last board meeting and today's finance committee meeting with the express intent of the board to open a third section of 4K in 25''6." The transcript does not record a named mover or seconder. The board reported the motion passed 4'—2.

The vote resolves the immediate allocation of open-enrollment seats and signals the board''s plan to expand 4K capacity; it does not change daily scheduling details for 4K or JK. Board members requested continued attention to teacher input, a follow-up on sibling and resident-projection surveys, and clarity about how additional seats will interact with the district''s special-education needs.

The board took the action at the Jan. 7 meeting and adjourned after final business.