Chippewa Falls School District Considering Boundary Changes

The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District plans to reconsider its elementary school boundary lines in an effort to maximize resources.

On Wednesday, school district officials held the first public informational session about the potential changes. Like many districts across the state, officials say they’ve struggled with declining enrollment over the past few years.

According to a WEAU report, district Superintendent Jeff Holmes referenced an Applied Population Laboratory study to validate the potential for boundary adjustments. Holmes also did not rule out the possibility that one of the elementary schools could be permanently closed.

Issues with declining enrollment and inadequate funding have become all too common across the state. During the various elections in 2024, nearly 200 Wisconsin school districts asked local voters to consider a ballot referendum. Neighboring Eau Claire proposed an $18 million referendum to voters on the November ballot, which passed comfortably. Unfortunately, districts that failed to get a referendum passed were forced to make cuts to programs and staffing, or even permanently close schools in their districts.

The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District also announced the creation of the Elementary Boundary Review Committee to consider the best way to manage the potential changes. The committee will consider factors like class sizes and operational efficiency during the decision making process. Possible boundary line changes have not been made available yet.

Officials plan to hold more public information sessions over the next two months, and the school board will make their decision by the end of March. Any changes to boundary lines or the potential closure of a school will be implemented in the 2025-2026 school year.