Late last week, the Elmbrook School District provided its 16 page quarterly report, “Link.” It should be in your mailboxes soon.
The first few pages talk about how well students are doing, changes in grading and reporting, protecting kids online, school board candidates, property values, next year’s budget, the district’s website and an expanded 4K program. The rest (aside from the sports team photos) explains why voters should support the $100 million referendum.
Evidently without a competitive school system, the community would be less desirable and real estate values would fall. Supporting statements from the “Link” are:
…”A competitive school district and facilities that are attractive…help to control taxes by helping real estate property retain its values.“
“Our challenge is to enhance the competitiveness of our school district and community.”
Furthermore, “Offering modern, safe, efficient buildings that maximize student learning has value” for all district residents, regardless of whether they have children in the school system.
The “Link” also provides a breakdown of where the nearly $100 million will be spent. $15 million is allocated for “demolition, site work, engineering, architecture, exterior renovations, furniture, fixtures and equipment.”
Individuals outside the Elmbrook School District hold other perspectives about facilities contributing to academic success and staying competitive. A resident wrote that “academic success is not just about the buildings; it's about the content and the teachers.”
An administrator from another school system said “academic success is usually measured through (a) formal test scores (such as WKCE), (b) graduation rates and (c) graduates’ plans for further education.” He added that [unfortunately] media reports can also define academic success.
Staying competitive is a school’s ability to run programs (classes) and students’ competency in AP (advanced placement) classes.
Be sure to read “The Link” when it arrives at your door.
On another note, the district is opening the doors to Brookfield East H.S. for walking and sociability starting February 5. (Sorry, the layout of Brookfield Central is not suitable for a public walking program.) It seems the administration wants more residents to see and experience the inferior conditions of an aging school.
