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District hires consultant to map reuse options for three elementary sites
Summary
Administration briefed the board on a yearlong reuse-planning process for Emerson, Spence and Hinchen elementary properties following the 2024 referendum. Consultant Brian Fakuda outlined a market/conditions analysis, stakeholder engagement and four public open houses, with reuse guidelines and an action plan targeted by year-end.
The La Crosse School District staff told the board on May 4 that it has launched a structured process to evaluate reuse options for three soon-to-be-vacant elementary school properties (Emerson, Spence and Hinchin) after consolidation under the 2024 referendum. "We're working with the board over the next 9 months to a year to just take a look at these elementary school properties and try to figure out the best reuse," said consultant Brian Fakuda, who described a four-phase plan: existing-conditions and market analysis, stakeholder engagement to narrow realistic options, four public open houses (one at each site plus an online session), and a final reuse-guidelines and action plan deliverable.
Fakuda said the first deliverable—the existing conditions and market analysis—would be provided to the board before the May 18 workshop so trustees can digest the data. Board members asked about the analysis’ shelf life and timing tied to the district’s construction schedule for 2027 openings; staff warned that historic-preservation decisions or WEDA grant outcomes for other properties could constrain reuse options. Administration said public engagement is likely to take place in September–October, with guidelines and an action plan aimed for completion by the end of the year.
