The West Bend School District has officially broken ground on a new elementary school in the Village of Jackson, Wisconsin, with plans for it to open in fall 2027. This project comes after several unsuccessful referendums, culminating in a successful vote in 2024. Parents, including Regan Minaudo and Heather Nothem, expressed their enthusiasm for the new school, which aims to provide the community with better educational facilities and foster unity. The new building will replace a facility dating back to 1915, which parents believe no longer meets current educational needs and would require costly upgrades. As part of a consolidation plan, the district intends to close two other elementary schools, resulting in a total of four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school by 2027. Superintendent Jennifer Wimmer acknowledged community concerns regarding school funding and emphasized the district's commitment to transparency in managing tax dollars. Additionally, she noted the potential for increased state funding following a recent budget surplus agreement reached by the state legislature and governor, which could further benefit the district's planning for the future.