GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Green Bay Area Public School District is seeking feedback on a potential fall referendum to address a variety of facility needs — including artificial turf fields for Preble and West high schools, music spaces and playgrounds — and without a tax increase because of retiring debt.
“The purpose of the referendum would be to address facilities needs that increase safety, improve energy efficiency, upgrade academic and athletic areas at secondary schools, and create greater equity regarding elementary and K-8 playgrounds,” according to the district’s website. “Given the rising costs of labor and materials, the District believes that at this time it makes sense to address deferred/delayed maintenance projects, which will only grow more costly in the future.”
The survey does not list a total cost for the projects, or the possible impact on the tax levy, but addresses the net effect of the cost in this way:
“The District’s strong fiscal management has placed it in a position where the 2017 referendum will be paid off this year, allowing the District to once again make needed renovations and improvements to the facilities with no tax impact to residents, with voter approval,” the survey states. (The bolded words were done by the district.)
Among the questions on the survey:
- “I would support a referendum that included projects to improve spaces in secondary schools that include renovations to classrooms, music rooms, auditoriums, etc. Upgrades could include seating, lighting, sound systems, etc.”
- “I would support a referendum that included projects to improve locker rooms, weight rooms, concession stands, tennis courts, track and baseball/softball fields, etc. Upgrades could include bleachers, lighting, sound systems, etc.”
- “The Green Bay Area Public School District has two high schools that have turf fields, and two that do not. Turf fields are less costly to maintain and allow for greater use of the field for practices, community events, tournaments, etc. I would support a referendum that adds turf fields to Preble and West high schools to provide equity and greater access to the fields for students, athletes and community organizations.”
Other than the fields at West and Preble, the survey does not offer a list of which schools would get those facilities.
The survey offers an explanation of playground issues, and then has questions on that topic.
“In addition to the projects outlined above, the Board of Education is also considering including projects to address equity and to provide greater flexibility for community solutions regarding future facilities needs. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of physical activity and the need for quality outdoor areas at our schools. The District has a mix of playgrounds for our elementary and K-8 schools that are District-owned and city-owned (are in an adjacent park). New equipment has been ordered for Martin Elementary, McAuliffe Elementary, Webster Elementary, and Wequiock Elementary, which will be installed as time permits. However, playgrounds have historically been replaced in a variety of ways, including PTO funds, grants, District funds, etc. The District is looking to create greater equity across the District in regard to playgrounds, as well as a systematic process for playground replacement. In addition, many of the playgrounds do not include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible equipment for children or poured-in-place rubber playground surfaces, which provides greater access for wheelchairs and walkers,” it states.
The questions for that issue are:
- “I would support a referendum that upgraded/replaced older playground equipment.”
- “I would support a referendum that upgraded/replaced older playground equipment that is located in a city park, which serves as playground equipment for an elementary or K-8 school.”
- “I would support a referendum that improved District-owned and city-owned playgrounds, by adding ADA accessibility equipment and poured-in-place rubber play surfaces.”
The survey closes at 4 p.m. on April 29.
For many years, West and Southwest shared Del Marcelle Stadium at West, while East and Preble shared City Stadium at East.
After a fundraising campaign, City Stadium added turf in 2017.
Southwest added Dahlin Family Stadium, and moved football, soccer and track games to the campus. It added turf in 2014, after its fundraising campaign.
Preble built Gauthier Family Stadium, and has had its own fundraising campaign to add turf.
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