APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The future of an Appleton Elementary School is facing a roadblock in its naming process. The issue dates back to an agreement made in 1999.
The school on the north side of Appleton will soon be home to the district’s 17th elementary school. But navigating the purchase agreement for the property has proven to be an unexpected challenge.
“In that agreement is language that says ‘the buyer agrees to name any elementary school constructed on the property- Sandy Slope Elementary,’” Appleton Superintendent Greg Hartjes said.
At a school board meeting on May 8th, Hartjes explained the legal situation the district is currently navigating. On Monday, he shared more on the background of the deal.
“The property was purchased from Richard and Alice Van Handel,” Hartjes said. “As a child Richard went to Sandy Slope school through eighth grade when it closed in 1946. The farm that the Van Handels have had for over 100 years is called Sandy Slope Dairy Farm.”
He also provided an update on his conversations with legal counsel.
“The contract is valid so there is a requirement to name the school Sandy Slope Elementary as long as the school being built on the site is strictly an elementary school- which it is,” Hartjes said.
Hartjes said there are three options. The board can proceed with the agreement, ask Van Handel’s widow, Alice, if she would be willing to not enforce the contract, or find a different name only if there is concern that it could be associated with Sandy Hook Elementary School. The options have provided a dilemma for board members, who will make the final decision.
Nick Ross, School Board “When I first heard Sandy Slope I was like ‘oh that’s cute’, and then I was like ‘oh yeah that reminds me of Sandy Hook,’” Appleton School Board Member Nick Ross said. “So I think it’s fair to acknowledge that.”
“I think it’s fair to acknowledge that it could trigger some thoughts, but I’m not sure I’d want to go down the path of breaking the contract with the family,” Appleton School Board President Kay Eggert said.
Hartjes said he also spoke with Van Handel’s family members.
“This is not something they want to be controversial for the district in any way, but they do hope that that can be the name,” Hartjes said.
The board will revisit the item during its next meeting. They hope to receive more public feedback on the naming before then. The district plans to have the new school opened in the fall of 2025.
