Thursday, July 09, 2009

Two High Schools Still a Good Idea?

R.D. Ziegler, who was on the West Bend School Board in the 60s when they decided to go with two High Schools on a single campus, has a thoughtful piece for the current school board to consider.

While I never was in favor of the twin high school – or 2-2 – system in West Bend, it should be the decision of all voters in the district. The following is intended to be informative and stimulate questions for the Board of Education before its next regular board meeting. It’s how we got here and takes a look at the current fiscal picture:

   Projected current annual budget – $70 million. This is prior to the school district’s likely reduction in state aid of about $1.6 million per year. Where will this come from? Expense reduction or other income? Approximately 50 percent of real estate tax bills in the district are due to school expenses.

   Other 2-2 high schools in state on one campus – Zero! Why are we so special after 40 years of existence and why do we have a divided opinion on this issue within the district? It is not academic results based on state statistics. Certainly, it is not athletics based on most past sports results. Notably, it is not fiscal savings; 2-2 costs more!

[...]

What is the West Bend School District’s most important mission? It should be academics. No where do I find any solid evidence that our present 2-2 structure have produced superior results when compared with other one high school systems in our state.

   A one high-school system may not prove it will produce better academic results, but I think it will reduce the emotional feelings within our district over the issue. More programs will not change the academic results of either system even if it can afford the extra costs.

   In 1990, the Athletic Committee, after a six-month study, concluded the 2-2 athletic program was grossly unsatisfactory. This was still true at the end of the 2008 study.

   A decision is about to be made regarding 2-2 vs. 1 by the board based on parents who have students in the school system. The electorate voted on 2-2 March 14, 1968. I stress that the electorate should again make the decision.

(1) Comments
Posted by Owen at 0744 hrs
Politics + Politics - Wisconsin

  1. This option needs a good look. The twin high schools may have made sense in 1970, but so many things have changed, the most germane, that kids have so many extra-circular opportunities these days. Participation is no longer a problem - in fact, many school organizations and sports are going begging. Perhaps a non-binding proposition in the next election would be appropriate.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on July 09, 2009 at 1210 hrs


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