GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — 12 buildings in the Green Bay Area Public School District could be closing, but what does the future hold for the properties if the plan proceeds?
“We’ve been contacted by some developers as the media started to cover the task force,” said Josh Patchak, Chief Operations Officer for the district.
Declining enrollment and a looming budget deficit of about $25 million have the buildings on the chopping block. That includes the three-story district office building on Broadway, which the district has already been fielding calls about.
“There may be tax credits to develop that into residential housing,” said Patchak. “It’s particularly attractive with the Shipyard going in around the same time there.”
Patchak believes Tank and Elmore Elementary Schools, along with Leonardo da Vinci School for Gifted Learners are other buildings recommended to close that could be attractive to developers.
The future for other buildings potentially closing are likely bleaker.
“The typical reuse for a school property is demolition of the school building and then redevelopment into some type of housing,” said Patchak.
The district plans to come up with a plan for each property once the school board votes on a right-sizing plan.
Besides the buildings already mentioned, MacArthur, Kennedy, Keller, Beaumont, Doty, and Wequiock Elementary schools are proposed to close. Minoka-Hill and Washington Middle are also on the list.
The community task force that came up with this plan will present it to the school board on May 8th. After that, the public will have at least three opportunities to weigh in before the board votes in June.
Neil Stechschulte, the city’s economic development director, says the city will be available to talk about options for these properties if the district desires.
“We may not be disposing of all these properties,” said Patchak. “In the event enrollment does bounce back, we wouldn’t want to have liquidated all of our properties.”
Any consolidation of schools would not start until after the ’23-’24 school year.
Patchak say the task force focused on facility needs when deciding which schools should close. It did not consider potential property reuse or resale value.
Table Top Discussions
Table Top Discussions will begin with a presentation of the Task Force recommendations by the group that has led the Task Force work (ATS&R). Participants will be assigned to a table and participate in a facilitated discussion about the recommendations. These opportunities allow individuals to not only share their thoughts and opinions, but to also hear each other’s perspectives. Notes will be collected and shared with the Board of Education.
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
West High School Commons, 966 Shawano Avenue
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
East High School Commons, 1415 E. Walnut Street
Public Forum
This event will be held at Washington Middle School’s auditorium. Entrance to the school is in the parking lot behind the building. Each individual who signs up to speak will be given three minutes to share their feedback to the Board. The Board of Education will be present to listen only. Individuals wishing to speak will sign up in the auditorium foyer between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The forum will last until everyone who has signed up has had an opportunity to speak.
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
Washington Middle School auditorium, 314 S. Baird Street.
