Green Bay Schools: Big Changes Ahead in 2026

New Leadership on the Horizon

In 2026, Green Bay area schools are preparing for a transformative year. New leaders will take the helm, and critical financial decisions will be made. Some districts may even turn to voters for additional funding.

Superintendent Searches

• Green Bay: Seeking a new superintendent, aiming to hire by April.
• Wrightstown: Also in the market for a new leader after experiencing three superintendents in a single year.

New leadership brings fresh perspectives, but will they be equipped to address the significant challenges ahead?

Financial Challenges

Budget Constraints

• The state budget did not allocate extra funds to help schools cope with rising costs.
• Promised increases for special education funding fell short, leaving some districts in a financial bind.

Deficits and Solutions

• Green Bay: Facing a $4 million deficit.
• West De Pere: Also struggling with significant financial shortfalls.

Potential solutions include cost-cutting measures or raising taxes, but the path forward remains uncertain.

School Board Changes

Several school districts are experiencing turnover in their board members:

• Green Bay: Some board members stepping down.
• Ashwaubenon: Board member transitions underway.
• Howard-Suamico: Changes in board membership.
• Wrightstown: Dealing with significant changes following a year of conflicts.

New board members will bring fresh voices, but will they offer innovative solutions or introduce new challenges?

School Closures and Openings

Closures

• Elmore Elementary School
• Langlade Elementary School
• MacArthur Elementary School

New Opening

• Starr Elementary School: Set to open in 2026, bringing a mix of goodbyes and hellos for Green Bay parents.