Would You Miss Wind Point Elementary?

Racine Unified is again considering closing Wind Point Elementary School to help plug budget shortfalls.

A plan has again been floated to close Wind Point Elementary School, according to The Journal Times. But this time, the closure would come with the sweetener of adding programs at other schools, like expanding the popular International Baccalaureate program offered at Jefferson Lighthouse, Mitchell Middle and Case High schools. RUSD first proposed closing Wind Point Elementary in the spring, when it and Goodland Elementary were on the potential chopping block. But the schools won a reprieve through the end of the 2012-13 school year—knowing the issue could be revisited before the 2013-2014 year began. 

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Ed Holladay

12:39 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

They are nuts. With the vouchers coming in full force RUSD will be a shell of itself in a few years. They should simply be mothballing everything until it is transferred over to private schools. They don't have to like it, or think it's fair, but it is reality. MPS is by in large a receptacle for the trash that the vouchers don't want or can't handle. MPS does have a couple of well renowned …   more ›

School Board Votes To Keep Goodland And Wind Point Open

Two elementary schools in the Racine Unified School District had been proposed to be closed, but the Board decided not to close them after they found out they could help offset some of their budget shortfall with healthcare savings -- at least for now.

Goodland and Wind Point elementary schools will remain open for the 2012-13 school year, but whether the two schools remain open in the 2013-14 school year is another story altogether. The Racine Unified School Board of Education voted unanimously at a school board meeting held Monday night to stave off the closings in light of a $6.5 million shortfall. However, administrators say they anticipate having to plug a $14.7 million hole the following year. For now, the District plans to use $4 million in healthcare savings, but the rest will have to be made up in staffing cuts, said David Hazen, the CFO of the School District. To read more, click here.

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James R Hoffa

11:21 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012

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100 Parents And Staff Attend Emotional Meeting About Redistricting

Racine Unified administrators got an earful of questions and concerns about a redistricting proposal that calls for closing Wind Point and Goodland elementary schools.

There are 2.5 million reasons why Wind Point and Goodland elementary schools should be closed, according to Ann Laing, acting superintendent of the Racine Unified School District. $2.5 million, that is. But the proposal to close Wind Point Elementary and Goodland Elementary didn’t set well with those who attended a listening session hosted by the Racine Unified School District on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 at Wind Point Elementary. A meeting was also held last week at Goodland Elementary. At the meeting, Laing told about 100 staff, parents and students that she'd rather not have to close the schools. Still, she laid out the administration’s rationale behind the proposal, but the district’s financial problems have remained an issue. "I'd rather…

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Informational Meetings About Potential Redistricting

Board of Education members and RUSD administrators will present redistricting options and provide an opportunity for parents and community members to ask questions and learn more about possible changes.

Racine Unified Redistrict Plan Calls For Closing Wind Point Elementary

While the plan hasn't received any final approvals, Board members listened to a plan that included expanding some of our schools while closing others.

Facing a $6.5 million hole in their budget next year, Racine Unified School District administrators hope to plug some of that hole through redistricting. Superintendent Ann Laing presented a redistricting plan to the Racine Unified Board of Education at a meeting held Monday, Feb. 6, 2012. Laing told the board the changes in the district would save about $2.55 million. The redistricting plan includes shuddering some elementary schools, and expanding others in the district, according to an article by the Racine Journal Times. While the plan hasn't received final approval from the Board, details included shutting down Wind Point Elementary and sending those children to other schools in the district. Goodland Elementary would also be used as …

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Racine Unified Board Exploring Redistricting Options

Changing boundaries and closing Wind Point Elementary are options board members are looking at to address deficits and to compete with the voucher program.

In what is described as extremely early steps, Racine Unified Board members are exploring redistricting options to help address a potential deficit and maintain a more competitive edge with school choice. Because Wind Point Elementary has low enrollment, the board is looking at four potential paths as listed in the Board Notes from the Racine Unified website: There was a discussion at the Dec. 19 Board Meeting, but no decisions were made. President Bill Van Atta pointed out there needs to be a balance between cost savings, goals, and a timeline for how to reach those goals. "The Board will likely plan a study session for February in which to discuss these things," said Stacy Tapp via email. "While Wind Point was the focus of the initial …

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Chris Larsen

8:39 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011

This needs to keep on being said until they get it. How can you continue to justify over 10 million spent on new digs for the high and mighty in RUSD to have meetings, while you have a 10 million dollar shortfall which directly effects the kids and their families. While I am all for finding your overages and streamlining, the best approach would be neighborhood schools as Brian has stated above. …   more ›

Your Guide To The Racine Unified School District

Need to know the principal's name? What extra curricular activities they offer? Or their web address? We've got you covered.

Name: JI Case High School Address: 7345 Washington Ave., Racine WI. 53406 Phone number: 262-619-4200 Website: http://www.racine.k12.wi.us/?do=schools.content&pageID=67 Type of School: Public Grades taught: 9-12 Enrollment: Open to those who live within schools boundary. Contact person: Jeff Eben Extracurricular clubs: Chorus, Band, Community Action, Art, Swimming, Football, Soccer, Baseball, Track, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Cheerleading, Tennis Academic activities: Yearbook, Automotive, Debate, Student Council, Science, Technology Outstanding faculty recognition: Focused and committed staff. Parent organization: PTSA What makes your school unique: Case believes that the school exists in a changing world and a dynamic society and …

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Racine Unified Deputy Superintendent Alan Harris Moved to Elementary School Post

District makes 15 building Principal appointments for 2011-12.

Alan Harris, a Racine Unified School District deputy superintendent whose position is being eliminated in a cost-cutting move, will become the directing principal at Knapp Elementary School for 2011-12. Harris joined RUSD in 2009, coming from the Madison Metropolitan School District where he was principal at Madison East High School. He had previously been a principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels in California and Wisconsin. At Knapp, he will replace Gayle Titus. “He (Harris) requested it. He feels that a leadership position at an elementary school is where he wants to be. He’ll be missed at Central Office,” said Stacy Tapp, district spokesperson. Harris’ appointment was among 15 principal assignments announced by RUSD …

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Ron Clone

6:45 am on Sunday, July 3, 2011

Does Harris take his central office salary to the elementary position? Just wondering.   more ›

With Visions of Santa All in Their Head

Students at Gifford, North Park and Wind Point talk answer the tough questions about Santa.

For those still in their youth, December seems like the longest month of the year. Thoughts of toys start their taunting just after Thanksgiving with the sales ads. Circles get drawn carefully around the wanted toys. The children drop undeniable hints of this gadget or that to the appropriate gift giver.  Mom and dad put up the Christmas tree. The Advent calendar gets hung. The countdown begins. They analyze their behavior throughout the year and do their level best to remind their parents of the good deeds they've performed. They cannot boast enough. They think of Santa, with his jovial demeanor, his icy house and his eight reindeer -- or is it six? Dreaming about his journey, the children imagine Santa's elves. Oh... the magic dust he …

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School Board Seeking Millions for Caledonia Schools

RUSD hopes to two build two new elementary schools in the village and renovate a third with money raised in an April referendum.

The Racine Unified School Board on Monday agreed to ask voters to consider a referendum package on April 5, 2011 that includes replacing or remodeling three Caledonia elementary schools. The referendums, totaling $128.5 million, would improve 10 school buildings through the Racine Unified School District (RUSD), continue educational programs and pump up the district's savings. In Caledonia, the proposed projects would: The $83.5 million general obligation bond issue would also replace Knapp, Roosevelt and Stephen Bull Fine Arts elementary schools in Racine, and remodel Jerstad-Agerholm and Mitchell elementary schools in Racine, West Ridge Elementary in Mount Pleasant and Schulte Elementary in Sturtevant. The bonds would be issued for 20 …

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