MONROE — As School District of Monroe Board of Education members move off of their screens and back to in-person meetings, community members may notice something they haven’t seen before: a new board room.

“We’re excited about this facility,” District Administrator Rick Waski said. The new location will have easier access to parking and allow visitors in without requiring stairs or an elevator.

The 1220 16th Ave location has served many purposes throughout the years as the district’s Alternative Charter School, a district office and more. On July 26, board members dedicated the building as the new Bauer Education Center.

The center honors late district employee Daniel F. Bauer, who served as the Director of Special Education from 1982 to 2005, according to his obituary. From then until his unexpected 2007 death, he served as the Director of Alternative and Outreach Programs.

Fourteen years later, Bauer’s legacy with the district remains strong.

“He was someone who grew up in Monroe and someone that was very special to a lot of people that worked here and in the community as a whole,” Director of Pupil Services Joe Monroe said during the dedication.

Bauer was an advocate for students with special needs and began the district’s English as a second Language Program, the Hearing Impaired program and more. His work and dedication made the Monroe Virtual Charter High School diploma the first in Wisconsin that could be completed Online.

A primary belief in Bauer’s work was that all students are capable of achieving their educational goals, and the district continues to carry that spirit in its mission to serve the community.