Appleton Area School District faces community backlash over rushed school closure decisions

Concerns over school closures and community engagement dominated the Appleton Area School District (AASD) Board Meeting on January 13, 2025, as parents and community members voiced their apprehensions about the future of local education. The meeting highlighted a growing unease regarding the district's decision-making process, particularly surrounding the potential closure of long-standing schools.

Several speakers emphasized the need for greater transparency and community involvement in discussions about school closures. One parent expressed frustration over the board's focus on the reuse of a building rather than investing in the affected students and neighborhoods. "You control the continued use of silo decision making," they stated, urging the board to consider the broader implications of their decisions on community trust and support.

Another speaker, Christine Codner, criticized the rushed nature of the decision-making process, pointing out that important discussions were held during a busy time of year for families. She stressed the emotional toll that moving schools can have on students, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the long-term impacts on their well-being.

Amy Sanders, a mother of children with special needs, called for the district to establish a permanent program to accommodate the growing population of students with disabilities. She urged the board to prioritize the needs of these students and ensure they have a reliable educational environment.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration between the district and community members. Julie Filipiak, a local resident, emphasized the importance of working together to address the needs of children in the neighborhood, stating, "The way the neighborhood goes is the way the school is going to go."

As the AASD navigates these critical decisions, the voices of parents and community members underscore the necessity for a more inclusive approach that prioritizes the educational and emotional needs of students. The board's next steps will be crucial in rebuilding trust and ensuring that all voices are heard in the future of Appleton's schools.