SHAWANO, WI- Community pride and optimism filled the air Tuesday afternoon as students, school leaders, board members, and project partners gathered at Olga Brener School to break ground on a transformative referendum project for the Shawano School District.
The ceremony, held in front of a crowd of staff, families, and community members, marked the official start of the multi-school improvement initiative, which was approved by Shawano voters in November.
Student representative Cooper Thomas opened the event with heartfelt remarks from a student’s perspective, setting the tone for an afternoon focused on unity, progress, and future opportunities.
Superintendent Kirk Krizan welcomed attendees, calling the moment “a new page in the story of our district.”
“This project represents a bold investment in our students, in our teachers, and in the values that define our community: excellence, equity, and opportunity,” Krizan said. “Strong schools build strong communities. With your partnership, we’re building learning environments that are safer, more modern, and more inspiring.”
School Board member Mike Musolff emphasized the importance of teamwork and community collaboration throughout the planning process.
“This moment belongs to all of you — the people of Shawano,” Musolfff said. “Your overwhelming support for this referendum speaks volumes. It’s more than just a vote of confidence in a building project — it’s a commitment to our kids, our educators, and the future of our community.”
Representing Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Jody Andres detailed the partnership and planning that led to Tuesday’s milestone. Andres, an owner of Hoffman and the project’s educational market leader, praised the Shawano community for its dedication, transparency, and enthusiasm.
“We’ve all learned so much about what this community and school district stand for,” Andres said. “You’ve shown terrific resolve and commitment to making these projects a success, and we are honored to be part of that journey.”
Attendees were invited to sign commemorative shovels, which will later be displayed in the completed school buildings as symbols of community support and unity.
The event concluded with a ceremonial groundbreaking outside, where district and community leaders turned the first soil together, signifying the beginning of a new era for Shawano Schools. A performance by the school band followed, celebrating both the day’s significance and the bright future ahead.
The Shawano School District referendum project includes upgrades to each of the school buildings and represents years of planning, public input, and partnership. Construction is set to begin immediately with project completion expected over the next several school years.
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