The Manitowoc Public School District is answering some questions about future consolidation efforts.
During a presentation to the community last night (October 28th), Superintendent Lee Thennes laid out what’s going to happen in the district over the next several months as they work to move a shrinking school district population into school buildings the district wants to keep open.
One question community members asked was why they are considering combining 5th and 6th grade at one of the middle schools and 7th and 8th grade at the other.
The district’s Facility Advisory Committee (FAC), made up of school staff and parents, recommended the change as a short-term solution to build capacity, improve equity in learning environments, and address aging infrastructure.
The 5th and 6th grade curriculum would blend elements of elementary and middle school instruction, while a move will be made to focus on preparing 7th and 8th graders for high school by offering a robust curriculum and adding elective offerings for students.
The community has also asked what’s going to happen with Washington Middle School and Lincoln High School, with the district saying there will be a full-cost feasibility study, community input, and board discussion about significant investments or a long-term recommendation for new construction.
MPSD has also created a new website that explains the FAC’s work on consolidation and what the district is working on for the future.
That can be found at manitowocpublicschools.org.
The FAC has asked the district also to consider closing two schools to support consolidation.
However, the district has not yet discussed which ones.
