Proposed changes to Brown Deer school campus move forward

The Brown Deer Plan Commission on Monday favorably recommended extensive modifications to the school campus. Most of the work is being funded by the referendum approved last year.

Commissioners forwarded the site plan to the Building Board and Village Board. Both bodies meet Monday at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., respectively. The site plan includes razing Dean Elementary School, converting the existing middle school into an elementary school and building an addition to the existing high school to accommodate middle school students.

During Monday's review, commissioners largely favored the school district's plans. Concerns about having middle and high school students in one building were raised. But District Administrator Deb Kerr said there will be a clear division between the two age groups. For example, middle and high schoolers will have staggered schedules and will be eating lunch in separate cafeterias.

A separate appointed body, the Beautification Committee, will be reviewing the district's extensive landscaping plans for the site at a later date. The proposal includes increasing the amount of green space throughout the 63-acre site.