District outlines $4.9M target, lists budget options including proposal to convert Edison pool to gym

District leaders spent the bulk of the March 9 work session laying out budget pressures and a long list of possible reductions and revenue strategies.

Superintendent Vicky Beyer told the board the district has been making cuts for five years and is now facing a structural problem driven by enrollment decline, unfunded mandates and state-level funding decisions. Administration said it has identified approximately $3 million in administrative savings already and that, according to current projections, the board would need to identify an additional $4.9 million to provide step increases and a full cost-of-living adjustment in 2026-27.

Staff presented a menu of options the board is being asked to rate between now and the March 23 meeting so administration can model the operational impact. Options include freezing step increases (estimated $2.4M), reducing summer professional development ($130,000 potential), reducing department budgets (10% target = ~$500,000), eliminating non-special-education hub busing (approx. $150,000), converting one contract day to evening supervision (roughly $116,000), selling building naming rights, raising facility rental fees, consolidating vacant buildings (estimated annual savings $190,000 to $250,000 plus one-time sale proceeds), and program audits to evaluate high-cost specialty programs (initial reporting expected in May).

Facilities staff recommended converting Edison Middle School's pool footprint into an auxiliary gym because the pool has low utilization outside the school day (historically under 10% of available hours), annual operating costs of about $65,000 and projected near-term capital repair exposure. Administration estimated avoided capital costs around $635,000 and a conversion cost near $1.5 million, and suggested funding the conversion from prior referendum contingency if the board approves exploration. Staff said they would work to identify alternative pool time for the Green Bay United team and the Green Bay Swim Club, but acknowledged scheduling conflicts at Southwest High School would be a key constraint.

Trustees and public speakers urged caution regarding program identity and community impact; several trustees emphasized they do not want to make panicked reductions before seeing the state budget, possible increases in state funding or the results of a planned November referendum. The board directed staff to provide more detailed modeling and to return with findings and recommendations at the March 23 meeting.