Monona Grove board asks city to indicate interest in Maywood as families press on open‑enrollment cuts

The Monona Grove School District board voted to authorize administration to solicit a non‑binding letter of intent from the City of Monona by Aug. 31, 2026 to indicate whether the city would pursue a community‑oriented use for the Maywood property.

The motion, carried after extended board discussion and public comment, instructs administration to request the city’s expression of interest and to bring any formal proposal back to the board before negotiations begin. The motion also directed the district to pause exploration of other real estate assets while that outreach proceeds.

Public commenters framed the matter as urgent for families. Andrew Sidel, a parent who said his younger child was placed on a 4K waiting list while older siblings attend the district, told the board the district’s reduction in open‑enrollment spots has “made it impossible for children like our son to enroll in their siblings’ school” and called the policy “needlessly harmful.” Chelsea Williams Pepper of the group Save Our Schools, who submitted comments to be read by staff, warned that programs housed at Maywood — specifically MG Futures — are “not just a room” but a program with staff and students that need a permanent plan if the building leaves district ownership.

Board members said they had spent months evaluating district property options and that soliciting the city’s interest was intended as an early, non‑binding way to determine whether the preferred public outcome — Maywood remaining a community asset — was feasible. Administration said it had sought legal guidance from Boardman Clark on the process; that counsel proposed the letter‑of‑intent approach as a preliminary step. Several board members asked for additional legal review and clearer steps before any binding negotiations.

Opposition at the meeting was less about the board’s asking the city to weigh in than about sequencing and safeguards. Board members and commenters urged clarity on how Maywood‑related programs would be preserved, how capacity and equity concerns at Winna would be addressed if Maywood were transferred, and what communication and legal steps would protect the district from premature commitments.

The motion’s text asks the city to submit a non‑binding letter by Aug. 31; if the city signals interest, the board will then review the letter and only then authorize any formal contract negotiations. The board approved the motion by roll call.