Fox Cities News

The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) is set to begin a series of community feedback sessions on Phase 2 of its four-phase facilities consolidation plan, with the first session scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, at South Park Middle School. These sessions are designed to engage residents and gather valuable input on the district's ongoing efforts to consolidate and modernize schools, aiming to improve operational efficiency and enhance the student experience.

The September 24 session will take place in the South Park Middle School gymnasium (1551 Delaware St). Attendees should enter through the main entrance of the school (Door #1). As a key focus of Phase 2, South Park provides an ideal starting point for community engagement. Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of the school, allowing them to better understand the needs driving the district's plan.

"We're at a pivotal moment in our district's development," said Dr. Bryan Davis, OASD superintendent. "These sessions are vital in ensuring our plans align with community needs and expectations as we work towards providing safe, effective learning environments for our students. We encourage everyone to participate and help shape the future of education in Oshkosh."

The OASD's comprehensive facilities plan, in development since 2017, is the result of extensive research including a district-wide facilities assessment, enrollment projections, cost analysis, community survey, and input from a Facility Advisory Committee (FAC). This community-developed, board-approved plan is structured in four phases, with the timing and implementation of each phase dependent upon taxpayer support.

Phase 1 of the plan, approved by voters in the November 2020 referendum, saw the successful construction of Vel Phillips Middle School and Menominee Elementary School. Building on this momentum, Phase 2 focuses on consolidating westside middle and elementary schools, with the ultimate goal of reducing district buildings from 20 to 15 to improve efficiency and educational effectiveness.

Community members are invited to attend any of the following informational sessions:

- Tuesday, September 24 at South Park Middle School (1551 Delaware St)

- Monday, September 30 at Oshkosh North (1100 W Smith Ave)

- Thursday, October 10 at Vel Phillips Middle (1401 Kentucky St)

- Wednesday, October 16 at Menominee Elementary (915 Hazel St)

- Tuesday, October 29 at Oakwood Elementary (1225 N Oakwood Rd)

All sessions begin at 6:30 PM and include a presentation followed by a guided tour of the host location. This firsthand look at the facilities will help attendees better understand the current state and future needs of OASD schools.

To accommodate diverse schedules, additional sessions including morning and afternoon time slots are being planned and will be announced on the district's website and social media channels.

Community organizations interested in dedicated presentations can contact Julie Conrad, OASD Assistant Superintendent of Operations at julie.conrad@oshkosh.k12.wi.us to make arrangements.

The OASD encourages all community members to participate in these important discussions. By working together we can ensure that OASD continues to provide the best possible education for our students in modern efficient facilities.

For more information about the comprehensive facilities plan and upcoming community feedback sessions please visit oshkosh.k12.wi.us/facilities.

About OASD: Building community through education. The Oshkosh Area School District is located in Oshkosh Wisconsin serving over 9 000 students and operating eleven elementary schools four middle schools two high schools and an eAcademy. For more information visit www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us.

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