When's the Time

To Close School?

When does it make sense to close a school? This question has been whispered within the town lines of Brookfield, as a confluence of circumstances appears to be headed towards a reckoning.

Brookfield has been witnessing declining enrollment over the past few years. This year enrollment fell under 100. Next year’s projected enrollment will fall below 90. The facility is crumbling. Some in the building trades suggest the facility should be leveled, and a new one constructed.

The town is in the midst of a reappraisal. Who knows the impact on property taxes that alone will hold? Residents will soon be faced with the decision whether to support a $10 million bond to bring the high school up to code; never mind the millions it will take to bring the Brookfield school to soundness.

The issues of declining enrollment, the facility, the high school bond, reappraisal, etc will not sort themselves out. Ignorant are those who fantasize these problems will result in near painless solutions. Painful decisions need to be made now, and not shoved aside until we’re in crisis. The crisis is now.

Charles Herzog

Brookfield