District officials present enrollment decline projections and elementary school updates as facilities planning continues

District administrators presented an updated applied population (demographic) study at the Sept. 25 meeting showing a projected decline of about 100 students per year, with a five‑year projection range of roughly 8,500 to 9,000 students. Administrators said the refreshed UW–Madison Applied Population Lab study validates assumptions used in the district’s four‑phase facilities plan and helps justify consolidations planned for phase two.

Superintendent Dr Davis summarized the projection methodology, noting such studies are most reliable five years out because they rely heavily on birth‑rate trends. He said the projections are already being used to plan operational efficiencies.

Principals briefed the board on opening‑year activities. The Monomon elementary update described literacy interventions (Reading Recovery and small‑group instruction), social‑emotional learning work, partnerships with Catalpa Health to provide on‑site mental‑health services twice weekly, and a Big Brothers Big Sisters pairing program. Franklin Elementary principal Cat Noble reported strong early I‑Ready indicators, with 62% of students on track in reading and math and 88% of first graders on track in literacy, and invited community visits to the new building.

Committee reports reinforced the facilities conversation: the facilities & finance committee noted demographic trends affecting many districts statewide and requested the district provide a two‑dimensional sketch of planned work for the Merill site memorial area to the historical society. The education committee highlighted increases in literacy scores and planned implementation steps around Act 20 screening and reading plans.

Next steps: staff will continue community feedback sessions on facilities (dates posted on the facilities web page) and will incorporate the updated demographic analysis into phase‑two facility planning.