KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ) – The Kaukauna School District is planning $48 million in upgrades. The district says it will be able to do so without raising property taxes.
Mark Duerwaechter is superintendent of the Kaukauna School District.
“Really excited about it, because it’s a great investment in our district”
The school board recently voted to make millions of dollars of upgrades under state Act 32. That allows districts to borrow money for energy efficiency improvements.
“We have roofs to take care of. We are going to be flipping out our lights to LED lights. Our HVAC systems, heating and cooling is going to get much more efficient,” explained Duerwaechter.
The project will have two phases.
Phase one will cost 23 million dollars with improvements made to five of the district’s six schools.
Phase two will likely cost about 25 million for upgrades to Riverview Middle School.
The district explained that it’s able to keep property taxes the same, because two current debts will be completely repaid in the next two years. The tax money from those debts will flow into this new project funding.
Giovanna Feller is president of the Kaukauna School Board.
“In the long run it will definitely save us money”
For example, by switching to LED lights, it will save $30,000 a year. Those funds can be used for future projects.
The first phase of the project is scheduled to be complete within the next year.
The district has until 2022 to take action on the second phase.
