Hello,

My name is Bill Stengrevics, and my wife and I have lived in Waukesha since 2017. We have a five year old son who just completed 4K at Bethesda Elementary School and a newborn daughter we hoped would attend Bethesda Elementary School. Our community was recently made aware that Bethesda Elementary School was chosen as one of the schools to close following this upcoming school year. Bethesda has served as a staple of this community for many years offering a strong educational experience for our children. The Waukesha School District has made it clear they intend to repurpose or sell the property so the district will net positive from this closure. However, it is up to the school district's discretion as to how this property will be utilized.

The neighborhood around Bethesda Elementary has been family friendly and welcoming for decades. Part of the credit for this welcoming community has to go to the quality education this school has provided. The school's ratings have improved over the last 5-10 years while maintaining a competitive enrollment compared to its district counterparts (Operating at 74% of capacity in the district’s latest research. That ranks 4/11 elementary schools.) We will be subject to whatever business, housing, or other organization that chooses to be the highest bidder for this property. While the district's position is logical to maintain a quality education across all of Waukesha, this small community with a quality institution of elementary education should not be an option they choose to close.

By signing this petition, you are joining a group that asks the board to reconsider their decision to close Bethesda Elementary School. We are not claiming to know more than the officials we trust with our great school district. We are simply asking them to find another way that doesn't greatly impact our community. It is an unfortunate situation when any school needs to close. My son, like many other kids in the district, made friends and trusted administrators that he may lose right away in his educational journey. It’s unfortunate any child will have to experience this in our district. However, if an outside observer were to see events like the Bethesda Walk, Field Day, or many others, it is clear the effect the educators and administrators have on the children of this community. Please consider joining this group that wants to stop this closure before decisions are finalized this summer.