There could be major changes afoot for families of elementary school students in the Whitnall School District.
District administrators are proposing to make Hales Corners Elementary a school for 4-year-old kindergarten through second grade, while Edgerton Elementary would house grades 3 through 5.
The district brought the proposal forward as a means to save money and balance the enrollment at the two schools. By restructuring the elementary schools, officials say they could cut four teachers to save about $280,000 and would cut more costs by consolidating services.
But about 75 people attended Monday's School Board meeting and most spoke out against the proposal.
Many parents said it would create hardships for families with two elementary-age children. They also worried about the effect on busing and the logistics of transitioning to the new model.
Board members and district administrators admitted it will not be an easy decision. Several board members said they had not made up their minds and were looking to be swayed in either direction.
The board is scheduled to vote on the proposal Feb. 22, but several parents said a vote then would be rushed and that more study and parental input is needed.
However, principals at Hales Corners and Edgerton said if the board does decide to go forward, they need as much time as possible to begin preparing for the move.
This proposal may only be the beginning of possible budget cuts as the district could face a deficit between $1 million to $3 million next year depending on the amount of state aid it receives.
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