Voters To Decide On Oak Creek Schools Referendum Tuesday

OAK CREEK, WI -- Voters on Tuesday, Nov. 6 will have the chance to vote on a $60.9 million referendum that will address a number of needs identified by the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District.

"The School Board's vote was the culmination of efforts engaging parents, community members and school staff, studying facility concerns and identifying solutions to better support the District's mission of engaging, challenging and inspiring every student every day," said Frank Carini, School Board President in a statement.

The cost of the referendum is $60.9 Million, which equals an estimated annual tax increase of $118 per year (or $9.81 per month) on a $225,000 home. The was plan presented to voters in November reflects a thoughtful balance of fiscal responsibility for taxpayers while meeting the needs of students and addressing many long-term facility needs.

The referendum seeks to address both infrastructure and educational needs across the district, including:

• Expanding Career and Tech Ed spaces, adding collaboration areas for project-based activities and multi-purpose space for gym, band, cheer and dance activities at the high school.
• Building a performing arts education center.
• Improving entrance security and handicap access at a majority of schools, as well as relocating the School Resource Officer to the front office at West.
• Adding gymnasiums at five elementary schools (separating cafeteria/gymnasium spaces to resolve conflicts between breakfast/lunch and physical education classes).
• Upgrading athletic fields including adding a Varsity Baseball field and relocating the Varsity Soccer field.
• Renewing interior spaces at the five oldest elementary schools, including bringing schools into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Addressing significant parking and/or related safety issues at multiple schools.

Patch File Photo