Baraboo School Board votes to put $9.95M referendum question on ballot

The Baraboo School District Board of Education approved two resolutions Monday that will place a $9.95 million referendum question on the April 1 election ballot.

The safety and security improvements and maintenance projects and repairs outlined in the language approved by the board are set to make up the first phase of a multi-phase master facilities plan.

Planned for the first phase are $4.9 million in safety and security upgrades and $5.05 million in maintenance projects. The needs were identified and prioritized through a lengthy analysis, which included work by consultants and a community survey.

Safety and security improvements would secure the main entrances and provide surveillance cameras and exterior door controls and monitors at all seven school buildings. Other safety projects would involve relocating and renovating the main offices, relocating the libraries to accommodate these shifts and improving parking and traffic flow at some schools.

Maintenance projects would include updating HVAC systems at all schools and roof, window, lighting, ceiling, masonry and parking lot work at some buildings.

According to a fact sheet distributed to the board Monday, the project costs include renovations, construction, energy efficiency upgrades, building system replacements and repairs, site work, furniture, fixtures and equipment, professional service fees and required permits.

The fact sheet is just one part of a communications plan initiated by the district to help inform the community about its plans and the referendum process.

Now that the question is set to be on the ballot, district employees and board members are bound by certain legal restrictions to provide only factual information when communicating about the referendum process while they are serving in their official capacities and on school district property. They cannot engage in advocacy on behalf of the district.

Kit Dailey of Eppstein Uhen Architects made a presentation to the board about the communication plan, including the restrictions on advocacy.

Staff and board members can share their own opinions as long as theyre using their own time and resources and they make it clear that they are speaking as individuals, Dailey said.

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Baraboo School Board votes to put $9.95M referendum question on ballot