Board narrowly approves new fitness center, walking track hours effective April 6

The School District of South Milwaukee Board of Education approved new hours and procedures for public use of the district fitness center and walking track, effective April 6, 2026, after a split vote.

Moved by DeFord and seconded by Hansen, the motion directs administration to implement procedures including rules on cell-phone use, a visitor policy, and specific hours of operation aligned with the school schedule. "Moved by DeFord and seconded by Hansen that the Board approve the Fitness Center and Walking Track Recommendation, effective April 6, 2026, related to hours of operation, as presented and direct the administration to implement procedures related to use of cell phones, visitor policy, and specific hours of operation connected with the school schedule," the minutes state.

The motion passed 4–3. Board members DeFord, Hansen, Simmons and President Sophia Williams voted aye; Genduso, Hintz and Jurowski voted nay. Before the vote, the board heard residents who expressed concern about reduced hours for the facilities and urged the board to weigh community access against scheduling and safety needs.

The board's action is a formal operational direction to administration rather than a change to district policy; the motion sets an effective date and requires staff to establish specific procedures. The board did not vote on an amendment to change hours at the meeting. Further administrative details (exact hours and enforcement mechanisms) were directed to be developed and implemented by district staff.