Concerned Waukesha parents speak out as 4 schools face possible closure

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Parents and community members in Waukesha are voicing concerns as the school board reviews its budget amid declining enrollments. 

Four elementary schools are on the list for possible closure - Bethesda, Hawthorne, Prairie and Lowell

District leaders have floated options, from options and grade reconfigurations to selling buildings and changing programs. 

A lot of people spoke about potential closures to the district's dual-language programs. 

Tonight, Sept. 10, parents and community members packed a school board meeting to voice their concerns. 

"I'm actually very disappointed. Disappointed in this board and disappointed in the district as a whole. You've let the loudest voices dictate the decisions that you're making," Waukesha resident Helen Bishara said. "Hawthorne has over half of its population being Hispanic and targeting schools like that, that's not leadership." 

No final decision has been made yet. Any changes would not take effect until the fall of 2026.