Oshkosh’s new public elementary school, set to open in fall 2024, is one step closer to having a name. During its January 25 Regular Board Meeting, the Oshkosh Board of Education voted to name the new elementary school Menominee Elementary School - pending approval from the Menominee Tribal Legislature. The OASD is working with tribal leaders to continue this approval process, however, a timeline is unknown at this time. 

Menominee was the top vote-getter in the District’s community-wide surveying process. The OASD worked with Bray Architects on the administration of two community-wide surveys to provide guidance to the Board of Education in naming the new elementary school. The first survey asked for recommendations on the name of the new elementary school. The top results from that survey - Jessie Jack Hooper, Menominee, Poberezny, and Webster Stanley - were selected to be part of the second survey.

The Menominee, an Algonkian-speaking people, are the only present-day tribe in Wisconsin whose origin story indicates they have always lived in Wisconsin. The City of Oshkosh is located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee and was named after Menominee Chief Oshkosh. The new public elementary school will be located across the street from Menominee Park. Originally called North Park, the park was renamed in 1911 when Colonel John Hicks gave the City of Oshkosh a statue of Chief Oshkosh. Menominee Park stretches over 109 acres on the eastern side of stunning Lake Winnebago and is a prime spot to enjoy some of the area’s natural beauty.

The OASD is grateful for all who participated in this naming process. This is an exciting time for the entire community and its continued engagement and support is appreciated. Once the school name is official, students, families, and staff who will attend the new elementary school will take part in the process of choosing the school’s mascot and colors. 

The new elementary school is one component of the first phase of the District’s long-range facilities plan, which received voter support through the success of the District’s 2020 capital referendum. The new elementary school will be located on the site of the current Webster Stanley Elementary and Middle School. Slated to open for the 2024-2025 school year, it will become home to students currently enrolled at Merrill, Washington, and Webster Stanley Elementary schools. Beth Galeazzi, current principal of Webster Stanley Elementary School, was named principal of the new elementary school in May 2022. Middle school students from Merrill and Webster Stanley will have previously moved to Vel Phillips Middle School which will open for the 2023-2024 school year. To learn more visit www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/facilities.