KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — After students requested the removal of the Galloping Ghost statue from in front of Kaukauna High School, the administration is proposing adding explanatory signage instead.
Some students approached the school board with concerns the statue could be misconstrued as a racist symbol, appearing similar to clothing associated with the Ku Klux Klan. Statue backers say the piece is a part of the school’s identity and history.
According to the agenda item for Monday: “The new signage has two components, a single sided letter sign installed on a curved base in front of the Galloping Ghost statue, and a Daktronics LED Message Display adjacent to the statue.”
The letter sign would cost $20,189.50, while the electronic sign would cost $32,664.73. Both could installed this summer, according to the memo from Supt. Mark Duerwaechter.
“Furthermore, with this approval, the Board of Education will maintain the presence of the KHS Galloping Ghost statue in its current location,” he wrote.
The Galloping Ghost statue has called the front of Kaukauna High School home since 1999.
The school board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the high school library, 1701 County CE.
