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Monona Grove confirms consolidation of Cottage Grove and Taylor Prairie for 2026–27 as part of facility review
Summary
Board materials show the district approved consolidating Taylor Prairie and Cottage Grove in December and will consolidate 4K–2 Cottage Grove‑area students into Cottage Grove School for 2026–27 to improve operational efficiency; the presentation detailed capacity, occupancy and program continuity reasons.
District officials reviewed building‑level utilization and reiterated a previously approved consolidation to improve efficiency and continuity for young students.
Superintendent Tanya Frederick said the board reviewed capacity and enrollment at individual elementary buildings and noted Taylor Prairie ran at roughly 50% capacity this year with 225 enrolled (178 present at one time due to half‑day 4K) and an estimated building capacity of 346. Frederick said the consolidation of Taylor Prairie and Cottage Grove was approved by the board in December and that, beginning with the 2026–27 school year, all Cottage Grove area 4K–2 students will attend Cottage Grove School.
Frederick said bringing 4K–2 together in one building will improve operational efficiency, support collaboration among staff, and provide students continuity in early elementary grades. She added the decision reflects capacity realities and the district’s broader enrollment and budget projections. The board and staff emphasized the change is intended to consolidate programming while continuing to support students and staff in the community.
The presentation did not record a new vote or amendment in this meeting; presenters described the consolidation as an approved course of action and presented data on building occupancy, capacity and projected enrollments to explain the rationale. Officials said the consolidation also allows the district to reallocate resources and better align program delivery across the elementary grades.
Next steps identified in the presentation include implementing the change for 2026–27 and continuing to monitor enrollment and program needs; staff will continue planning work and community outreach related to the consolidation.
