WITTENBERG, WI – Plans for a new athletic facility in the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District were outlined in detail Tuesday night, with Superintendent Garrett Rogowski emphasizing one key point to residents: the project will have “absolutely no impact” on local taxes.
Rogowski told those in attendance that the nearly $3 million facility is the result of more than 15 years of long-term financial planning, made possible through the district’s use of Fund 46, a capital improvement account. “I think a lot of people ask, how is that even possible?” Rogowski said. “This has been a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s allowed us to do this without going to referendum.”
He explained that the district has strategically saved surplus funds over time, rather than returning to taxpayers or increasing spending, allowing it to build up reserves for large-scale projects. Rogowski added that interest generated from those savings alone has helped strengthen the district’s position. “It’s just been a creative funding mechanism that has allowed us to make what you’re going to see here happen,” he said.
The proposed facility, estimated at approximately $2.9 to $3 million, would span nearly 25,000 square feet and include two full-size basketball courts, three wrestling mats, batting cages, locker areas, and a mezzanine viewing level. Rogowski also highlighted potential community use, including open gym time, pickleball, and even a walking track. “If anybody just wanted to come in and utilize it for that purpose, they’re certainly welcome to do so,” he said.
District leaders say the need for additional space is being driven by rapid growth, particularly on the Wittenberg side of the district, where class sizes and sections are increasing. Rogowski noted the district is already seeing multiple grade levels expand from two sections to three, with additional housing developments expected to bring more families into the area. “There’s growth going on, and we have to respond to it,” he said.
Beyond academics, the facility is also intended to address increasing demand for extracurricular and youth programming. Rogowski pointed to packed practice schedules and limited gym space, with some younger students practicing as late as 8:30 or 9 p.m. “In our opinion, fourth and fifth graders should be tucked in and going to bed, not practicing that late,” he said.
The building will also provide long-needed upgrades for programs like wrestling, which currently operates in limited and shared spaces. Plans call for dedicated areas that can be converted for multiple uses, helping improve safety, scheduling, and overall efficiency.
While construction costs will not impact taxpayers, Rogowski acknowledged there will be annual operating expenses, estimated between $250,000 and $300,000, primarily for utilities, maintenance, and staffing. Those costs, he said, will be covered within the district’s existing budget. “We’re not saying it costs nothing,” Rogowski said. “But it has nothing to do with your tax levy.”
The district is currently in the design phase, with construction tentatively scheduled from July through December, pending environmental approvals related to nearby wetlands. If all goes as planned, the facility could be ready for use by January.
Rogowski emphasized transparency throughout the process, noting the project has been discussed in open session at school board meetings for months. “Nothing has been hidden,” he said. “Every conversation we’ve had about this project has been in open session.”
District officials say they remain open to feedback and may host additional informational sessions as planning continues.
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