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Board votes 6–1 to transition Katherine Johnson Academy into districtwide virtual program
Summary
The Green Bay Area Public School District board approved a motion to transition Katherine Johnson Academy from a K–8 school into an expanded virtual program beginning in the 2026–27 school year, using 2025–26 to reimagine the program; the amended motion passed 6–1 after debate over identity, program quality and cost implications.
The Green Bay Area Public School District board voted 6–1 on April 14 to transition Katherine Johnson (KJ) Academy from its current K–8 school structure to an expanded districtwide virtual program starting in the 2026–27 school year, using the 2025–26 year to reimagine programming.
District staff presented a memo and supporting tables with staff-to-student ratios and observations about KJ as it now operates. David Johnson, who joined the table to present the proposal, said the materials were intentionally framed around possibilities: "Everything that's included programmatically is in the language of could or would," he told the board, adding that the team that built KJ's identity would lead development of the program. He said calling KJ a school requires offering comprehensive grade-level programming and that reclassifying to a program would expand participation.
Supporters argued the change would enlarge access and flexibility. Board member Lynn said the shift "will be able to serve hundreds more students" and called the expanded program an opportunity to help students who need alternative delivery models. She and others described options that could let students combine in-person and virtual instruction depending on needs.
Opponents warned that removing KJ's school designation could hurt students who value its identity. Board member Andrew pressed for clarity, saying, "There is nothing here that requires KJ to be dismantled and destroyed as a school to be able to do these things," and urged the board to avoid rushing a change that could disrupt students who depend on KJ's current structure.
After discussion, Andrew moved an amendment to replace the phrase "close as a school" with "transition to a program." That amendment was accepted and folded into the main motion. Online voting results announced by the clerk showed the amended motion carried 6 to 1, with Becker recorded as the lone no vote.
Administrators said there is no immediate dollar figure tied to moving KJ from a school to a program, and that the decision preserves KJ as a K–8 school through 2025–26 while giving staff time to design an expanded, districtwide virtual offering. The board directed staff to proceed under the amended language and to return with follow-up planning details.
The board took the vote during its special meeting; the agenda moved immediately into the work session and then a closed session preview on property negotiations.
What happens next: staff will use the 2025–26 school year to develop program specifics and report back to the board with implementation plans, timelines and any budget implications.
