The Weekly Update
January 21, 2026
We Need You! Give Us Your Thoughts on High School Configuration
The West Bend School District is exploring what's best for our high school students—now and in the future—and we need your input.
Since 1970, our community has been home to East and West High Schools on a shared campus, currently serving 1,818 students. However, enrollment projections show our student population may decline to around 1,500 by 2029-2030, and possibly 1,200 by 2037-2038. Like many communities across the state, we're seeing fewer births which directly impacts enrollment.
These trends have led us to ask an important question: What high school configuration model will best serve our students, staff, and community in the years ahead? We want to hear from you as we work to capture various perspectives on whether the school district has one or two high schools in the future. Here's how you can share your thoughts:
Save the dates and times! We will hold community meetings on:
Monday, February 2, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Locations of the community meetings to be announced soon.
Attend a focus group by invitation. Focus groups will be utilized for students at the High Schools as well as Badger.
Complete an online survey that will be released on February 2, 2026 via emails, social media, and district and school newsletters.
Thank you for taking the time to help shape our schools' future.
Use the App to Track Buses in Inclement Weather
During these very cold school days, knowing the arrival times of buses is helpful to minimize wait time outdoors. Use the Here Comes the Bus app to track a bus. Go to the website for instructions on how to download Here Comes the Bus.
It’s 4K, Kindergarten, and Open Enrollment Time
4K Enrollment is Open. The West Bend School District’s 4K program is now enrolling for 2026-2027. Choose from multiple locations, explore our nature-based programming, take advantage of wraparound daycare, or check out the newly-remodeled classrooms at Green Tree Elementary. Visit WBSD4K.org to get your child's spot. Contact Kris Groth at 262-306-7113 with questions.
Kindergarten Too! Do you or someone you know need to enroll a student for kindergarten for 2026-2027? We've got elementary schools that are all highly rated on the Wisconsin DPI report card. If any future kindergarteners aren’t currently in our 4K program, enroll online.
Need a Different Elementary School? Now's the time to request an intradistrict transfer. The West Bend Schools support intradistrict choice, as we know families with young students sometimes need to consider alternate elementary schools due to child care, etc. Access the form that is on our website to make a request. If the transfer is approved, families must provide transportation.
Tell Your Friends. Do you know of families looking for a great school district? West Bend has some seats available through Wisconsin's open enrollment program, which is available beginning February 2 to April 30, 2026 at 4 p.m. We would love to give those interested in the West Bend School District a tour of the schools and provide any information needed. Contact Britni Rome, registrar, at 262-306-2612. See our website for details on the open enrollment process.
T-Shirt Sales Fund Scholarship in Teacher’s Memory
The McLane Elementary Wellness Committee held a Be Kind fundraiser in memory of Jodi Kleibel, a longtime kindergarten teacher, and to raise funds for a scholarship in her name. “Be Kind” t-shirts were sold, earning $250 towards the scholarship for an East or West High School graduate.
Hockey Team to Raise Funds for a Good Cause
Watch some high school hockey and support a good cause! The West Bend Ice Bears boys hockey team is holding its annual Military Appreciation event during its game on Saturday, January 24 against Waukesha.
During the 2:30 p.m. varsity game and 4:30 p.m. JV game, a silent auction will be held with 100 percent of the proceeds going to organizations that support military and first responders. The game is at the Kettle Moraine Ice Center in West Bend. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for students, and free for senior citizens.
