Construction Starts On New Wauwatosa Elementary School

WAUWATOSA, WI — Wauwatosa's newest elementary school is now rising from the ground as plans for the Wauwatosa School District's referendum begin to take shape.

“These improvements support our commitment to fostering an inclusive community and closing the opportunity gap,” Phil Ertl, Wauwatosa School District superintendent, said. “By creating a more welcoming, safe, inclusive and equitable school environment, we will more effectively empower our students and staff to achieve their goals.”

Wauwatosa voters overwhelmingly supported a $124.9 million schools referendum in Nov. 2018 by a margin of 61 percent to 39 percent.

As part of the referendum, the district would initiate construction of four new elementary school buildings, amounting to about $93.5 million of the total referendum dollars.

Lincoln Elementary School, Wilson Elementary School, McKinley Elementary School and Underwood Elementary School, all built between 1919 and 1938, would all be replaced or significantly upgraded, under the plan.

According to district figures, approval of the $124.9 million referendum raised taxes, increasing the school portion of the mill rate by a maximum of $1.88 over the current rate. As a result, property owners will likely pay $188 more a year per $100,000 of home value.

Feelings were mixed on the Wauwatosa schools referendum. While some said it was a much-needed investment in a district that has been cash-strapped since the invocation of Act 10, others said its symptomatic of fiscal mismanagement in an era where frugality and common sense are desperately needed from the public.

Wauwatosa School District officials broke ground on the city's newest school last week as part of a $124 million referendum that will revamp several schools.

Officials held a virtual groundbreaking ceremony at Wilson/WSTEM Elementary School as part of plans to replace four elementary schools built in the early 1900s, and to address prioritized needs at all other District schools.

The ceremony was attended by several members of the Wauwatosa School Board, Superintendent Ertl and building principal Michael Heun, along with members of the Plunkett Raysich Architects design team, and the VJS Construction team.

The group broke ground while observing social distancing guidelines and wearing District-branded masks. The District also broadcast the event on Facebook to allow members of the community to participate virtually. Photos of the event can be found here.

The new Wilson/WSTEM Elementary School building will provide enhanced security, flexible learning spaces, greater accessibility and more comfortable buildings with regulated temperatures and improved air quality.

The building design was created by Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP and will be executed by VJS Construction Services. The property is scheduled for completion in summer 2021.