School hallway PC: Fox 11 Online
FREEDOM, WI (WTAQ) — Voters in the Freedom Area School District can expect a referendum question on their April 2 ballot.
If passed, the $62.5 million capital referendum will address the district’s most pressing needs at the middle-high school and create space at the elementary by moving 5th grade to the middle school.
Officials in the district say the middle-high school has major building systems that need components replaced and classroom/academic support spaces that need to be updated. Additionally, the elementary school is over capacity. These needs are outlined in greater detail below.
Tech Ed, Music Ed & Cafeteria
- The technical education (“shop”) labs are too small, poorly configured, and lack equipment to prepare students for jobs in the region.
- The music department is too small, inefficiently located in the basement, and does not have proper acoustics.
- The cafeteria/kitchen is too small creating scheduling challenges, lacks natural light, and needs improved ventilation being located next to the fitness area.
Classrooms & Labs
- The art rooms are too small, do not have appropriate storage, and lack natural light.
- The library is not designed to support technology and student group work/staff collaboration.
- Science labs are too small and do not have enough storage.
- The greenhouse is small and outdated.
- The weights and fitness area is too small to support physical education, athletics, and community use and lacks appropriate ventilation.
- Storage rooms throughout the building are used for offices or meeting areas.
- Many classrooms and lab spaces lack windows/natural light.
Building Systems & Infrastructure
- Portions of the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system (including air handling units and boilers) have exceeded their expected service life.
- Components of the plumbing, electrical, and life safety systems are old and need to be replaced.
- Classroom and corridor flooring, ceilings, and paint are aging and worn out.
- Toilet rooms in the oldest parts of the building are aging and in need of updates.
- The pick-up/drop-off area is congested with buses and cars, which is a safety concern.
Elementary School
- The elementary school is over capacity resulting in:
- A lack of adequate classroom space for modern learning environments and teaching needs.
- Special education programming housed in undersized spaces.
- Music is being taught in the cafeteria, which is not equipped acoustically and creates logistical challenges.
If the referendum is approved, the mill rate would increase from $5.25 to $7.02. The projects are expected to begin in summer 2025, and be completed by December 2026.
On Tuesday, there’s a tour of the middle-high school to show the community the current facilities; and answer any questions on the referendum. The tours last for one hour and begin at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Learn more about the Freedom Area School District referendum here.
Comments