Wausau School District. MWC file photo.
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau School Board voted Monday to sign off on a letter opposing the designation of John Marshall Elementary School at 1918 Lamont Street as a historic site by the city.
Superintendent Keith Hilts says doing so would restrict what the district could do with the building in the future. “Especially in light of our current conversations about restructuring, we just think that the interests of students, staff, and families kind of outweighs the historic benefit of that building.”
A historic designation would mean that the district would be limited in how they could remodel the building, specifically the exterior, and would also restrict other actions such as razing the building for a new one. Hilts says none of those actions are being seriously considered at this time, but they don’t want them to be removed from the table as they look at possible reorganization of their structure.
“We are trying to improve service to students and families, create a better work environment for our staff, and be more efficient,” said Hilts.
If the city does move forward with deeming the building historic the board has also asked that they do so before any potential restructuring plans are drafted.
“I believe [Board member Lance] Trollop’s recommendation is wise. Let’s know where we stand.” adds Hilts.
The city is expected to continue the conversation about designating the school as a historic landmark later this month. Hilts says he and others from the district plan to attend the October 11th city council meeting to represent the district in the matter.
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