Planning begins for another referendum, but could be two years out
By Tyler Lamb
Staff Writer
Will the third time be a charm?
That was the overarching question facing members of the East Troy School Board last week as it began preliminary discussions for third referendum question. The topic was addressed during the board’s June 10 gathering.
While district officials believe the improvements are needed in the immediate future, it could be two years before the referendum questions is ready.
“At this time, nothing formal for a third referendum, just trying to figure out the next steps towards a process,” stated district Business Manager Kathy Zwirgzdas.
District Administrator Christopher Hibner explained that garnering at least 60 percent support from the community is vital to the effort.
“As I discussed and shared at the last meeting, I think it is vital that we attempt to complete a process and an associated timeline that will lead the board to a solution that will receive a minimum of 60 percent support,” Hibner said. “The first several months will focus on needs until we believe the community understands our needs and the identified $41 million completed by the ad-hoc Facilities Committee.
“In addition, while we work on sharing our needs, we focus on process which will allow feedback of our community toward determining the ultimate solution that will have at least 60 percent support of the community,” he continued. “This may be a difficult process since I realize this may lead to an outcome that is not the most desirable or demonstrates the highest urgency, but if we elect to move away from the identified solution of 60 percent or greater, we then will need to be able to explain and must still be able to maintain the 60 percent or greater support.”
Hibner’s remarks came in the wake of two recent failed referendum questions. The first question, brought before the public during the Nov. 6, 2012, presidential election, failed by a 412-vote margin. It requested $17.2 million in facility upgrades, and would have had a $20 per year impact on properties valued at $150,000, according to estimates provided by the district.
The second attempt, made during the April 2 election, asked voters to signoff on $19 million to enhance safety and security at all school buildings, upgrade science, technology, engineering and math classrooms at East Troy High School (ETHS) and renovate the traditional technical education rooms and kitchen and cafeteria at ETHS among other improvements, according to the district.
More than 70 percent of district voters acted against the second referendum question.
According to the district, the cost of the second proposed referendum would have been a $30 per year property tax impact on a $150,000 home.
All items included in the original referendum were incorporated into the revised plan, except for roughly $500,000 allocated for athletic capital improvements.
School Board members have said they believe both referendum efforts failed due to a lack of community awareness about the referendums more intangible aspects.
According to Hibner, East Troy Community School District will look to bring a $17.5 million to $19.5 million referendum before district voters for facility improvements across the district.
Other matters
In other business June 10, the School Board discussed the following matters:
• Staffing resignations. The board approved the resignations of custodians Chester Sokolowski and Donna Allen, as well as Sara Kaiser, learning support specialist, and Mary Schultz, technology coordinator.
• Staffing recommendations. The board approved the following staffing recommendations: Brian Beierle, Ashlyn Anderson, Matthew Vanevenhoren and Sandra Martinez.
• CESA 6 agreement. A contract for the 2013-14 school year was approved between the district and CESA 6. The services will be provided by Keith Fuchs, Maryjane Burdge, Darlene Godfrey and Ron Dayton. The educators will assist with ensuring the new Educator Effectiveness requirement will be implemented for the 2014-15 school year.
• 2013-14 collective bargaining. A tentative contract was approved by the board of education for the 2013-14 school year.
• Bus contract. The board re-upped its 30-year standing contract with Koerner Bus Service, which provides transportation to and from Lakeland school.
• Health care reform. The board briefly discussed options it has in the face of the 2014 Affordable Care Act mandate. One option the board entertained was replacing retiring staff with part-time staff, as educators must be at 75 percent full-time equivalent to receive health insurance.
• Online Youth Risk Behavior Survey. District Social Worker/Pupil Services Coordinator Mary Green presented a brief Powerpoint presentation to the board comparing the 2012 and 2013 Online Youth Risk Survey. The survey was administered to sixth and 11th grade students. According to Green, risky behavior such as drug and alcohol consumption are down, however, students reported an elevated feeling of being bullied/alienated amongst peers, according to Green.
• Paid lunch equity. Officials recommended to the board that it increase lunch prices by 10 cents, transitioning from $2.34 to $2.44 per meal. No formal action was taken.
