For Immediate Release 

August 16, 2024 

Contact: Denise Michaelsen, Superintendent

715-373-6188  

Email: dmichaelsen@washburn.k12.wi.us

 School District of Washburn School Board Opts to Bring Building Referendum to November Ballot

School Board Unanimously Supports Building Referendum Question to Fund Capital Maintenance and Accessibility Needs

 Washburn, WI— **On August 15, 2024, the School District of Washburn School Board unanimously supported placing a Building Referendum on the November ballot. Residents of the School District of Washburn will have the opportunity to vote on allowing the district to issue debt to address the significant challenges facing the District—funding the needed capital maintenance and accessibility/security projects that are too expensive to pay for out of the annual budget.  

The Building Referendum question will ask voters to approve a $14.43 million for paying the cost of a facility improvement project at the MS/HS building and site consisting of: capital maintenance updates to include building systems updates, exterior brick repair; windows; flooring; ceiling replacement; site improvements; ADA modifications to restrooms; construction of an accessible and secure entrance and furniture, fixtures and equipment.

It is projected that taxpayers will see an increase in the school portion of their property taxes of $199/per $100,000 worth of property value, if the referendum passes.

“We can’t thank the community enough for their continued support of the Washburn schools, we know that the school is an important part of making this community special. We aim to use this building project to preserve our buildings for generations to come.” stated District Superintendent, Denise Michaelsen.

The District has been fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars; the last capital referendum was 25 years ago and the District is currently debt free. The needs are for additional funds to maintain capital projects within the aging school, projects that are too expensive to be covered in the annual operational budget, plus increase accessibility and safety.

** **

Building Referendum Project Details

The Building Referendum question asks voters for permission to borrow $14,430,000 to pay the cost of a school building and facility improvement project at the MS/HS building and site consisting of: 

·       Build an accessible and secure front entrance to the MS/HS

·       Update restrooms to provide ADA compliance and accessibility for all

·       Exterior brick/ masonry wall repairs​ 

·       Window replacement​ 

·       Ceiling tile replacement in common areas and classrooms (partial)​ 

·       Locker room ceiling replacement​ 

·       Carpet and laminate floor replacement​ 

·       Restroom accessibility renovations & finish updates​ 

·       Tech Ed mezzanine replacement​ 

·       Locker replacement​ 

·       Drinking fountain replacement for ADA (dual heights)​ 

·       HVAC system and controls replacement​ 

·       Structural reinforcement for new HVAC equipment​ 

·       Replace 1993 boiler to match other existing (2018) boiler​ 

·       Galvanized sanitary piping replacement​ 

·       Kitchen piping and plumbing fixture replacement​ 

·       Original electrical switchboard replacement 

·       Parking lot drainage improvements​ 

To see more project details please visit the District website.

The School District of Washburn will host two community information meetings and building tours this fall, the public is encouraged to attend to learn more and ask questions.

Community Information Nights: October 1 & October 24, 2024 – Washburn High School

Watch the District website and social media for further details.

Learn More: 

For additional information, please visit the District website www.washburn.k12.wi.us.

Questions can be directed to Denise Michaelsen, Superintendent, at 715-373-6188 or email dmichaelsen@washburn.k12.wi.us

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