2027 WI State Education Conv

Sessions Speakers Exhibitors Floor Plan

The Human Side of Consolidation: Communicating Change (Room 101 A/B)

Without changes to state education funding, district consolidation—or even dissolution—may become a reality for a growing number of school districts. As district leaders evaluate long-term financial sustainability and educational opportunities for students, an important question emerges: Which neighboring district would be the best consolidation partner if reorganization became necessary? If district consolidation offers the strongest path forward, how can two communities be brought together around a shared vision? Community support is critical, as families and staff can ultimately determine the outcome through a referendum vote. Attendees will gain actionable insights from two pairs of Wisconsin school districts—Hustisford and Dodgeland, and Loyal and Greenwood—that successfully navigated district reorganization through transparent communication, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration.