6 Kenosha schools close as district faces a $15 million deficit
KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A backyard bash was bittersweet Friday for staff and students at Jefferson Elementary School in Kenosha. It's one of six schools the Kenosha Unified School District shut down as the district faces a $15-million budget deficit.
"It's just sad," said Sue Gentz, Jefferson Elementary School 4th Grade Teacher.
Tears filled Sue Gentz's eyes outside Jefferson Elementary School Friday. She got a job teaching 4th grade in 1969, and liked it so much, she stuck with it for 31 years.
"I understand why the district had to do what they had to do because the enrollment is so low," said Beth Sabo, former Jefferson Elementary School Principal from 1988-1996.
Beth Sabo served as principal for a number of these ladies who wanted to be together on this final day, so they met up outside Jefferson School on the day of the backyard bash.
"Of course, sad to see it go, but you know the memories will never go," said Sabo.
Those memories now line Jefferson's hallways, but the pictures were actually recovered for a different reason.
"Around September, we started celebrating our 100th year. We wanted to acknowledge it with the students all year long and we didn't obviously know that we were closing yet," said Kristy Makowka, Jefferson Elementary Instructional Coach.
In December, the KUSD board voted to close these six schools including EBSOLA Creative Arts School, Jefferson Elementary, Lincoln Middle School, McKinley Elementary, Stocker Elementary and Vernon Elementary. In addition, the board voted to relocate Washington Middle School into EBSOLA's building and reduce Reuther High School's staff.
Jefferson got to work right away making a goodbye video.
Teachers have already boxed up their classrooms. The last couple days for students, they will be having outdoor activities.
"We love Jefferson (giggles) so, so, so, much yeah," students said on the goodbye video.
For Jefferson's 229 students and their families, the final days of fun started with the backyard bash.
"This big celebration that they have is just a reminder, you know, for her, so she had a little bit of tears," said Cecilia Gonzales, parent.
In the fall, about 80% of Jefferson students will go to Grant Elementary. The rest will go to Brass Community and Frank Elementary.
"I'm gonna miss you Jefferson, goodbye," said Brenden Hoskins, Jefferson 2nd grader.
"They usually go to 5th grade and he's gonna have to end it here at 2nd, but I just told him to appreciate the memories," said Larnelle Hoskins, parent.
"Little sad, but cool," said Brenden Hoskins.
"We've been in constant contact with the next schools within our district that our kids are gonna be off to a great start in fall," said Kristy Makowka.
"And now, we're just finding a way forward. You know, trying to keep a positive mindset," said Gonzales.