SHAWANO, WI- The Shawano School District officially broke ground on its $51.23 million high school referendum project, celebrating what leaders called a historic day for students, staff, families, and the community.
The ceremony, held Monday at Shawano High School, began with a performance of the national anthem by Shawano choir students Tanner Thiel, James Lang, Michaela Powers, Olivia Winslow, and Ivy Winslow. District officials, school board members, project partners, and community members then gathered with hard hats and shovels to mark the start of construction.
Superintendent Kurt Krizan said the project was years in the making. “It is definitely a great time to be a Hawk,” Krizan told the crowd. “This groundbreaking represents not only the start of construction, but also the continuation of a vision built on the values of opportunity, excellence, and community partnerships.”
Krizan emphasized that the referendum, approved by voters in April 2024, was the result of “careful consideration, spirited dialogue, and ultimately, a shared commitment to ensuring that the students of Shawano have access to the best educational opportunities.”
Planned improvements include expanded family and consumer sciences and technology education classrooms, updated performing arts facilities, a remodeled auditorium, and new athletic upgrades such as a synthetic turf field, an improved track, and a modern fitness center. “We’re not simply building walls, classrooms, and fields,” Krizan said. “We’re building opportunities for learning, growth, and excellence for generations of students yet to come.”
School Board President Tim Renard also spoke at the ceremony, thanking the community for supporting the referendum after an earlier version had failed. “It did take us two tries to get here,” Renard said. “The work that was done by board members, the community, and everyone else involved really made this second proposal stronger and more meaningful, with significant community input.”
Renard said what makes this project unique is its wide-reaching impact. “Many times, a referendum focuses on a single new building or an athletic facility. This one impacts every student, staff member, and district employee,” he said. “From new roofs at the middle school to updated playgrounds at Hillcrest, to the new stadium and performing arts facilities at the high school, this project touches every corner of our district.”
He added that the updates will not only improve safety and learning, but also energy efficiency and community appeal. “These facilities will benefit the entire community, attracting new families, students, and businesses, while also creating spaces that can be used for community events. What a great project. What a great thing for the Shawano community and the Shawano School District.”
Representatives from Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, the district’s project partner, praised Shawano for its long-term commitment to planning. Jody Andres, said, “A lot of these projects have been talked about for more than eight years. That’s a long time for a community to be dreaming and waiting for something to happen — and congratulations on finally making it happen.”
Andres noted that the focus of the project remained squarely on students throughout the planning process. “The staff, administration, and community really rolled up their sleeves to make some tough decisions, and the focus was always on what was most important for students. These projects are going to impact every single student in this district,” he said.
As the ceremony ended, board members, district leaders, and project partners gathered with golden shovels to turn the first soil, symbolizing the official start of construction.
Krizan closed the event by thanking the Shawano community for its support. “Your trust, your investment, and your unwavering support are what made today possible. This project is truly a reflection of our shared belief that the success of our schools is directly tied to the success of our community.”
Watch the Ceremony Below
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