Report (pdf) - School Management Services

The Project Consultants concluded that Ladysmith-Hawkins School District
was already over-encumbered with teaching/learning facilities which exhibit
(at the middle school and high school levels) lavish square footage/student
figures. As student enrollment declines and square footage/student further
escalates, the school district’s leadership will need to consider closing a
school (likely Ladysmith Middle School).
The Project Consultants concluded there is substantial likelihood that, in a
consolidation of Weyerhaeuser Area School District with the School District
of Bruce and Ladysmith-Hawkins School District or some other neighboring
school district, Weyerhaeuser Elementary/Secondary School would be
closed.
Assessment of the Study Questions
The Project Consultants concluded there is probable cause for the School
District of Bruce, Ladysmith-Hawkins School District, and Weyerhaeuser
Area School District to consider the possibility of future consolidation. The
resulting school district would be strengthened by its potential critical
student mass of 1,600-1,700. All three of the initial school districts would
be strengthened by enhancing critical student mass, cost/effectiveness,
and State of Wisconsin foundation aid. All three school districts would
acquire a quality array of staff members, programs, and services—along
with a much more stable future—for the students they are entrusted to
serve.
The Project Consultants concluded that the students of the School District
of Bruce, Ladysmith-Hawkins School District, and Weyerhaeuser Area
School District would acquire future program and service benefits and
opportunities as a result of the partial re-investment of funds secured
© Roger Worner Associates, Inc.
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