Support will result in updates at district schools with minimal tax impact
The local, Whitewater YES for Education group is gearing up to encourage “yes” votes for the Whitewater Unified School District’s Facilities Referendum question that will be on the ballot Nov. 8. A grassroots group, Whitewater YES is made up of parents, grandparents, business people, seniors, educators and other community members who will contact voters, distribute yard signs and other ways in an effort to share “the importance of this vote for Whitewater children and the broader community,” a press release from the group stated.
“A November 8 ‘yes’ vote is an important one because the referendum will help to make our schools safer in addition to providing more up-do-date learning opportunities; and it will help fulfill the American Disabilities Act requirements,” said Ron Binning, co-chair of Whitewater YES for Education.
The Whitewater Unified School District sought input from the Citizens Financial Advisory Committee, community sessions and surveys in recent months.
“The results are in and the majority of the people in the Whitewater community support the November 8 Facilities Referendum of $23.5 million that would improve the safety, security, accessibility, and necessary renovations to Whitewater schools,” the release stated. “And the tax impact is estimated to be minimal, at most $1.50 per month per $100,000 value home.”
Aurelio Callope, Treasurer for Whitewater YES and vice president, LPL Financial Advisor, First Citizens Investment Services at First Citizens State Bank,” said, “The beauty of it is that, with the school district’s responsible fiscal management, the cost to tax payers will be minimal. By working to decrease its debt and capitalizing on the low interest rates, the school board has picked a perfect time to make these much needed renovations.
“In addition to seeking input from educators, community members and parents, the Whitewater School District asked business leaders what should be done about our decades-old schools, and they clearly agreed that something needed to happen,” Callope added.
The school board and district asked for input from community members, evaluated the safety and security of the schools, and determined that upgrades are necessary to the decades-old schools.
“A 60-year-old house would require renovations to work properly, and so does Lincoln Elementary, with Lakeview Elementary, Washington Elementary, the Whitewater Middle School, and the Whitewater High School close behind. Whitewater YES is asking electors to vote ‘yes’ on November 8 and help make sure that the schools continue to provide safe, effective places for children to learn and grow,” the release stated.
“It makes absolute sense to upgrade our learning environments that in some cases are 60 years old. We need to provide more up-to-date facilities in order to ensure that our kids can learn effectively,” Kristen Monday, co-chair of Whitewater YES, and a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, said.
A recent review of a large number of studies shows that improving school building facilities and infrastructure has a positive and steady impact on test scores and learning of students (from a literature review of 21st Century School Fund).
Dr. Praveen Parboteeah, Director of the Doctorate of Business Administration Program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and parent of two Whitewater students, said research “clearly shows a link between the improvement of school buildings and an increase in test scores. Kids learn better in safer, cleaner, improved schools.”
“Whitewater supported an Operational Referendum in 2015 that was essential for continuing excellent educational opportunities and programs at Whitewater schools. This Facilities Referendum will help make sure that Whitewater schools remain safe, effective places for students to learn and grow,” the release stated.
Get involved
People who want to help Whitewater YES spread the ‘vote yes’ message, request yard signs, or help make a financial contribution to Whitewater YES should send an email to whitewateryes@gmail.com or contact Marjorie Stoneman at (414) 861-4126.
Yards signs are available at Ron Binning’s office, 319 W. Center St. (open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Yard signs should be placed in yards Oct. 3 though residents are welcome to pick up a sign for their yard anytime prior to the Nov. 8 election.
Donations to help pay for the cost of the yard signs can also be sent to Whitewater YES, via Aurelio Callope, N1060 Fremont Rd., Whitewater, WI, 53190.
Supporters are invited to ‘Like’ Whitewater YES for Education on Facebook.
For more information about the referendum visit the Whitewater Unified School District’s website at www.wwusd.org, click on “2016 Referendum Facilities Planning” and review the materials available there.
According to MyVote.wi.gov, the exact wording of the November 8 Whitewater Referendum on the ballot is:
“Shall the Whitewater Unified School District, Jefferson, Rock and Walworth Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $23,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and improvement project consisting of district-wide building renovation and remodeling of instructional spaces, safety improvements including secured school entrances, and ADA compliance updates; construction of a new gymnasium/multipurpose room and instructional spaces at Lincoln Elementary (LINCS) and expanded physical education facility at the high school; and district-wide building infrastructure upgrades including related furnishings and fixtures, and site improvements?”
