I voted sticker. MWC file photo
SHIOCTON, WI (WTAQ) — This month, voters in Shiocton will see two referendum questions from the school district; one for operational support and another for capital campaign projects.
Nichole Schweitzer, district administrator for the School District of Shiocton, says the process of formulating the referendums began about 18 months ago with a facilities study.
“That facilities study shared needs of upward to $75 million for a capital campaign,” said Schweitzer. “We widdled that down to 5 projects that we feel would make the greatest difference.”
The total costs of those projects would not exceed $35,800,000.00 over a three-year period; and has a 20 year payback.
The projects include a technical education wing at the middle and high school, gymnasiums at the middle and high school, band and choir wing at the middle and high school, childcare center wing at the elementary school, and offices with safe and secure entrances.
The School District of Shiocton is also seeking to exceed the revenue limit through a 3-year operational referendum, for the school years 2024-2025 through 2026-2027.
If approved, the operational referendum would give the Board of Education the authority to exceed the revenue limit for a set amount for each of the three school years. These funds will be used to cover the cost of operations; including utilities, routine maintenance, curriculum and instruction, technology and safety, co-curriculars and athletics, staff salaries and benefits, and other day-to-day costs.
The mill rate is projected to be $10.32 for the next three years with the approval of both referendums. Historically, the actual mill rate realized has been significantly less than what had been projected for that school year. The actual mill rate for this school year (2023-2024) was $1.90 less than had been projected back in February 2021.
Schweitzer says with inflation and costs of goods and services anticipated to keep growing, now is the time to have the referendum.
“Right now is our greatest opportunity to address those needs of our students and our buildings to make the greatest impact now and in 30 years from now, for the least amount of investment,” said Schweitzer.
Voters will let their opinions on the two referendum questions be heard on February 20. To learn more about the referendums, click here.
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