(Fox 11 Online)
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) — The Oshkosh Area School District Board has begun deliberations on a potential referendum question for the spring ballot.
No official decisions have been made yet on if a referendum will appear on the April ballot.
The referendum would be part of phase 2 of the districts facilities plan; which is a four phase project.
“We’re looking at anywhere between $190-200 million [for phase 2],” said Superintendent Bryan Davis. “That’s the general ballpark, but we don’t have anything definitive right now.”
The referendum would address building updates and consolidation of buildings.
For the middle schools on the west side, the current plan would be to replace and rebuild South Park Middle School and convert Tipler Middle School to a professional development center and serve other OASD needs.
At the elementary level on the west side, Oakwood, Carl Traeger, and Franklin would expand to accommodate 600 students, Shapiro STEM Academy would be converted to OASD Pre Kindergarten Center, and Roosevelt would close and be sold.
“Roosevelt is an over 100 year old building,” said Davis. “We’ve had some interest around developing that and turning it into housing, so that would definitely accommodate a need in the community.”
Davis says consolidation could mean additional support and opportunities for students.
“Especially at our elementary schools, we don’t necessarily have full time counselors or specialist teachers committed to one building,” said Davis. “They might be full-time contracted, but split between multiple buildings.”
If a referendum is put on the spring ballot, and it passes, projects could start as in 2025. It’s anticipated work on phase two would be completed in 2029.
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