(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam School Board approved the wording of a referendum that will appear on the fall ballot. The $107-million-dollar question aims to address aging and failing building infrastructure, improve site safety for students, staff, and visitors, as well as provide students with the opportunity to collaborate which is currently hindered by inadequate classrooms and support areas.
District Superintendent Mark DiStefano read the referendum question during the board’s meeting this week.
“Shall the Beaver Dam Unified School District be authorized to issue pursuant to chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes general obligation bond in an amount not to exceed $107-million-dollars for the public purpose of paying for the cost of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of construction of a new middle school building and campus including community and athletic space improvements…construction of additions, renovations, and building infrastructure improvements at Washington Elementary School…district-wide safety, security, ADA accessibility, recreation, and site improvements.”
The question also states that removal of all or part of the existing middle school is possible. Board of Education President Chad Prieve says this approval is another example of their investment to provide students with the safest and most efficient learning environment.
“Not only strengthen our community but save money on future building repairs,” says Prieve. “These improvements will create opportunities for hands-on learning, access to advanced technology, agricultural education, and modernized classrooms ensuring our students are well-prepared for their future careers. We’re also committed to engaging local sub-contractors through this process keeping taxpayer dollars in Dodge County and putting our residents to work.”
If approved, the average mill rate will increase $1.20 per one-thousand-dollars of assessed value. District officials say this increase for the school portion of your tax bill is anticipated to be below the mill rate from the 2021-2023 school year.
There will be informational presentations throughout the summer and fall to provide residents with detailed information about the referendum question.
