SHAWANO, WI- The Shawano School District will have to wait longer to have improvements to their school facilities after a 54.5 million dollar referendum failed by 75 votes on Tuesday.
The referendum was defeated by a margin of 1,837 votes against to 1,762 in favor, reflecting a 48.9% approval rate. This outcome has prompted district officials to reassess their approach towards addressing crucial maintenance needs spanning the next decade, as well as determining the fate of projects aimed at enhancing areas such as performing arts, athletics, and career and technical education. Additionally, the potential construction of a new middle school, which was contingent upon the approval of this referendum, now remains uncertain.
“Obviously, we are disappointed in the results. The Board and Administration worked together to create a comprehensive plan that would address the needs of the district, while also responding to the feedback from the community which was gathered through the survey process,” Shawano Superintendent Kurt Krizan said. To come up 75 votes short is disappointing.”
Although some districts, including the fourth, fifth, and sixth aldermanic districts, along with the Town of Pella, showed majority support for the referendum, the overall outcome was similarly close. Notably, the Town of Washington witnessed a tied vote, while other areas, including Shawano’s first three districts, predominantly cast more no votes than yes.
One reason for the voter turnout being a little lower may have been due to the fact that Shawano was on Spring Break this week.
“We knew it would impact a little bit,” said School Board Vice President Bobbi Lemerond. “We tried to promote absentee voting, but it could even some of those people may have voted against it too.”
In response to the referendum’s failure, the district is exploring its options. The possibility of reintroducing the question in November, a time marked by higher voter turnout due to the presidential election, or proposing a revised or alternative question is being considered.
“That is the reason we only put one question on the ballot. That way we can possibly ask another question in the fall.”
Lemerond said the referendum had many components, and it was hard to find a one size fits all plan.
“I did hear some concerns about if a daycare was something we wanted to take on, and some concerns about having a turf football field.”
Krizan said he felt like the district did what they needed to do to plan and spread the word. “I felt like we had a solid plan that provided information through every available avenue. As a team, we will come together and review our strategies and look for ways to improve.”
Consultations with representatives from Hoffman Planning, who have guided the district throughout the referendum process, are scheduled for the board’s April 8 meeting to determine the next steps.
“See what we can change for next time, and hopefully we have a better outcome,” said Lemerond.
To Hear Lemerond Scroll to the 1:36:00 Mark in the Video
Election Night 2
Posted by WTCH on Tuesday, April 2, 2024
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