SHAWANO, WI – The Shawano School District is preparing to celebrate the completion of several major referendum-funded projects, with two ribbon-cutting ceremonies planned over the next two months to showcase the improvements made across the district.
Superintendent Kurt Krizan says the events are about much more than unveiling new facilities, they’re an opportunity to recognize the community members whose support made the projects possible.
“I think really the ribbon cuttings signify different aspects and different points that we’re at within the project itself,” Krizan said. “It really comes down to a celebration of the support of the community and the work of all of the parties involved to get the projects to where they’re at. It’s an opportunity to bring everybody together and celebrate the great work that’s been done for the betterment of our schools and our community.”
The first celebration will take place August 17 at noon, when the district officially opens its newly renovated football, soccer, and track stadium. A second ribbon cutting is scheduled for September 1 at 3:30 p.m. at Shawano High School, followed by an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. where community members can tour the renovated building.
At the stadium, visitors will see a long list of improvements, including new grandstands with storage underneath, an eight-lane track relocated from the middle school, a new synthetic turf football and soccer field, updated restrooms, expanded gathering areas, improved parking and traffic flow, and dedicated spaces for field events such as the high jump, long jump, shot put, and discus.
Krizan says the renovations at Shawano High School are just as extensive.
“The first thing people will notice is the overall layout of the parking lot and the traffic flow,” he said. “We’ve improved safety with dedicated bus drop-off areas. Once inside, basically every inch of the high school is being looked at.”
The renovations include new lighting, ceiling tiles, paint, carpeting, expanded Family and Consumer Sciences classrooms, improvements to technical education spaces, music department additions, and upgrades to the school’s auditorium.
Krizan believes the improvements will have a lasting impact on students beyond the classroom.
“I think it’s just going to provide students with some pride in their school,” he said. “Being able to come into a place that is well taken care of and updated is one of those pieces that helps create community pride and pride in our school altogether.”
While the stadium and high school projects are nearing completion, work is also wrapping up at other district buildings before students return this fall.
Krizan says Hillcrest Elementary is receiving a remodeled playground, while Olga Brener Elementary is undergoing mechanical and electrical upgrades. A handful of smaller infrastructure projects will continue during the school year but are not expected to disrupt students.
With the referendum projects entering their final phase, district officials say the ribbon-cutting ceremonies will serve as both a celebration of the community’s investment and a chance for residents to see firsthand how those investments will benefit Shawano students for years to come.
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