Based on positive feedback from the district-wide community survey, the School District of Wild Rose School Board unanimously approved two referendum questions for the April 5, 2022 ballot.
Question 1 authorizes $15,600,000 for educational improvements, including a classroom addition, renovations, safety and security improvements, building infrastructure and site improvements at the Elementary School; as well as renovations, safety and security improvements, accessibility updates, and infrastructure, site and outdoor athletic facility improvements at the Middle/High School.
Question 2 authorizes $2,300,000 for HVAC upgrades including air conditioning at the Middle/High School.
Tax Impact
The estimated maximum tax impact for Question 1 is $0.60 per $1,000 of fair market property value, or $60.00 a year on a home valued at $100,000. The estimated maximum tax impact for Question 2 is $0.18 per $1,000 of fair market property value, or $18.00 a year on a home valued at $100,000.
If voters approve both measures, the combined estimated maximum tax impact for both questions would be $0.78 per $1,000 of fair market property value, or $78.00 a year on a home valued at $100,000.
Facilities Planning Background
Over the past year, the District has been assessing and evaluating options to address facility needs that are too large to be covered by the District’s annual operating budget. A district-wide community survey gathered broad feedback on a proposed plan for educational improvements at both schools.
Survey results indicated that:
•More than 440 people responded to the survey; 89% of them live in the School District of Wild Rose and 69% do not have children in school.
•68% of all resident respondents would support a referendum to fund the improvements in Question 1.
•68% of all resident respondents would support a referendum to fund HVAC upgrades including air conditioning at the Middle/High School in Question 2.
The School District of Wild Rose scored well above average in terms of overall satisfaction, delivering a high-quality education, and building pride in the community, as compared to similar school districts.
As a result of this positive support, the School Board is confident in moving forward with plans to improve educational spaces for both today’s students and for the next generation. The School Board also believes this is a good time to invest in upgrades to our facilities because of the District’s healthy financial situation and near-historic low interest rates.
Referendum Projects
The specific projects included in the proposed referendum plan are:
•Secure main entrances and front office renovations at the Elementary and Middle/High Schools
•High School Technical Education and Family & Consumer Science classroom renovations
•HVAC, electrical, and infrastructure improvements at both schools
•Air conditioning for the Middle/High School
•A classroom and flexible space addition at the Elementary School
•Complete Elementary roof replacement
•Track resurfacing
•Site work, including resurfacing of the front driveway at the Elementary School and the South parking lot at the Middle/High School
More information about the referendum projects, the estimated tax impact, and upcoming referendum information sessions will be available for the community in January 2022.
To view the complete survey results report, the proposed plans, and more about the facilities planning process, please visit the district website, or call the District Office at (920) 622-4203.
