$18.9 million referendum passes

$18.9 million referendum passes 

for Prairie du Chien School District

By Ted Pennekamp

The Prairie du Chien School District will be getting several upgrades to all three schools as a result of the April 5 election. 

Question 1 on the referendum passed 1,263 yes to 1,168 no. Question 1 allows the school district to exceed the revenue limit by $890,000 for the 2016-2017 school year and by an additional $90,000 per year for 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 school years and thereafter for recurring purposes. 

By exceeding the revenue limit, the district will have more funds for operating expenses and to provide community supported programs such as counseling services/intervention programming, attracting and retaining high quality educators and utility costs. 

The former revenue cap of $9,334 per student was one of the lowest in the state. The new revenue cap is estimated to be $10,054 per student.

Question 2 on the referendum passed 1,250-1,217. Question 2 allows the school district to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $18.9 million for numerous facilities upgrades. The loan is expected to be for 20 years at an interest rate of less than 3.5 percent.

“Thank you to everyone in the community for the great support of our schools. I am extremely happy for the students and the community,” said Superintendent Drew Johnson. “We have an excellent school with a superb staff that every day help students to exceed expectations on various academic indicators. The operational side of the referendum will allow us to continue to help children achieve at high levels. It allows us to maintain the current level of programming and possibly improve some things as we go forth. The building updates will allow us to modernize and keep our buildings and grounds in great shape to meet school and community needs for many years to come.”

The facilities upgrades are expected to consist of air conditioning in all three schools; construction of additions for a gym annex, support space, instrumental music and technical education at Bluff View Intermediate School; a new auditorium, greenhouse, gymnasium and support space at the high school; remodeling, renovation and improvements at B.A. Kennedy Elementary School; playground, parking and site improvements at Bluff View; and acquiring technical equipment and other furnishings, fixtures and equipment.

“On behalf of the Prairie du Chien Board of Education, I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for participating in our community referendum process whether you attended task force meetings, referendum planning sessions, called to share an idea, helped us with messaging, ads or promotions, or simply turned out to vote on April 5. This truly was a team effort!” said School Board President Christine Panka in thanking the voters, the community and all who helped on the referendum. “Your support of our school district’s operating and capital questions on the April 5 ballot sets the stage for a bright future for district’s students! We are looking forward to continuing to work with you as we set out to complete the tasks the community has entrusted us to accomplish! Beaming with Prairie Pride!”