IS YOUR HOME EQUITY AT RISK?

Most people think school board decisions only affect parents and students. But school closures are more than disruptions to our current student body. If you own a home in Waukesha, the District’s strategy of "Managed Decline" could cost you thousands of dollars.

Here is the hard data on what happens historically when a neighborhood school closes:

PROPERTY VALUE LOSS: Studies on school closures show that losing a neighborhood school can reduce local property values by nearly 10%. Why? Because markets view a school closure as a "signal of disinvestment." It tells buyers that a neighborhood is shrinking, not growing.

THE WALKABILITY PREMIUM: Homes within walking distance (.25 miles) of a staffed elementary school often trade at a premium. When that school closes, that value evaporates overnight. You paid a premium for that location.

THE "ZOMBIE BUILDING" RISK: Closed schools often sit empty for years, costing taxpayers thousands in maintenance while becoming an eyesore that drags down the appeal of the entire block.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Closing schools doesn't "save money." It transfers the cost to you by lowering your home's value.

As schools close, residents in the affected communities deserve thought out plans of action including understanding the downstream effects of closures. Closing buildings without understanding and openly discussing the effect it will have on the entire community and their property values is doing a disservice to local taxpayers and families.

I’m running for School Board to protect our property values by keeping our schools open, active, and competitive. We need work to attract families to fill these buildings with students, not board them up.

Vote Mitch Gallagher for School Board on April 7th to respect and protect your biggest investment