School District Taking Over Some Rec Programs

The Oak Creek-Franklin School District will take over operation of city recreation programs held in school gyms and the high school pool. 

School officials approached the city earlier this year about conducting those programs because of scheduling difficulties with other community groups wanting to use those facilities. 


The plan, which was initially met with resistance when first proposed earlier this summer, will not result in any full-time job losses in the city recreation department. 

"What the school wanted was the ability to maximize the use of their facilities for what's best for the community," said Alderman Dan Bukiewicz, a member of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission. 

"It was never really a question of who could do it better, it's really (about) where can we get the most efficient and the most bang for the buck."

Officials expect some bugs that will need to be worked out, but hope the transition is as smooth as possible.

"Hopefully, the end result for the public is it's seamless when you go to sign your child up for programs," Bukiewicz said.

Changes outlined in a memorandum of understanding between the city and school district result in a net gain of about $15,000 for the city, City Administrator Gerald Peterson said. 

Oak Creek lost about $82,000 in fees, but also cut $70,000 in expenses. In addition, the city will also receive $11,000 in annual stormwater fees and $16,000 in garbage fees beginning in 2015, according to a report to Common Council members.