SHAWANO, WI- In a decisive 5-1 vote on January 8, the Shawano School Board approved resolutions to place a $54.5 million referendum on the April election ballot. Originally pegged at $53.7 million, the revised amount accommodates additional costs for pool improvements at Shawano Community High School and addressing parking lot concerns across schools.
Jody Andres, K-12 consultant for Hoffman Design, highlighted challenges in finding vendors for the pool project, including the installation of a liner costing nearly $500,000. The proposal also includes pavement and improvements suggested by Safe Routes to School, estimated at around $3 million.
Board member John Arens expressed concerns about Safe Routes’ recommendations, particularly regarding Hillcrest Primary School and Olga Brener Intermediate School, citing safety issues on Waukechon Street. Andres clarified that 40% of the referendum funds are allocated for maintaining existing facilities, emphasizing the importance of addressing deferred maintenance over the past two decades.
While acknowledging the necessity of maintenance work, Board member Frank Kugel cast the sole opposing vote. Board members David Cullen, Mike Musolff, and Jeana Winslow were absent from the meeting. The referendum vote will take place on April 2, 2024, allowing the community to decide on crucial capital improvements and expansion of school facilities.
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