Board approves plan to relocate Jefferson West district office to Ozaukee facility to save operating costs

Board members reviewed a proposal to move the Jefferson West district office into the Ozaukee facility as a cost-saving measure and to avoid using classroom space. Presenter (S1) said the move would be accomplished with minimal upfront renovation costs, would require IT connections and some furniture, and would preserve classroom capacity when Keystone vacates space.

Board members discussed trade-offs: one speaker noted the central office would be about eight miles from most students and staff, which could affect site visits and crisis response time; others said those concerns were manageable and stressed the long-term fiscal benefit. Rent figures were discussed in the transcript with two amounts mentioned; Presenter (S1) stated a $12,000 annual rent figure while another speaker referenced $18,000. The transcript contains both figures and they were not reconciled on the record.

Committee member (S3) moved that the board approve moving the district office to the Ozaukee facility beginning with the 2026–27 school year. The motion was seconded (S5) and discussion followed; the transcript indicates agreement but does not clearly record a roll-call tally for final passage at that point.

Board asked staff to ensure minimal cost, verify technology and furniture needs, and consider operational impacts (e.g., coverage during school hours). The presenter noted that preschool placement in Ozaukee was intended as a cost-effective use of space and that moving the district office could be reversed in future if enrollment or facilities needs change.

Next steps: staff to finalize costs and bring an implementation plan to the board; the motion to relocate was moved and seconded during the meeting.