School District holds listening session to inform public of referendum details
By Tracy Ouellette
Editor
Residents were invited to Doubek Elementary School Monday night to voice their concerns, ask questions and get answers on the School District’s facility-needs referendum, which is on the Nov. 4 ballot in the General Election.
Seven people showed up.
The listening session was held in an open house format where residents were able to ask direct question to the individuals who had the answers, such a district Business Administrator Katherine Zwirgzdas who could provide detailed information about how the referendum is not going to cause taxes to increase, because of the debt fall off from the 1999 buildings referendum.
“I like having the chance to talk one to one with people,” Zwirgzdas said. “It gives me the chance to really explain things that isn’t always possible at a board meeting.”
Some residents were unhappy with the open-house format and voiced their confusion as to how it was a “listening session” where there was no public comment time.
“It’s a very interesting way to do it,” Tim Griffin said. “I think it isolates the public and prevents them from speaking as a whole community.”
Griffin went on to say he had been looking forward to the opportunity to speak at the listening session and hearing what others in the community thought of the proposed plans to renovate the High School and put a large addition on Doubek.
District Administrator Dr. Chris Hibner said he chose the open-house format because he wanted people to be able to come and go and not have to sit through a full presentation when they maybe had only a few questions that could be better answered by the specific individuals.
The full School Board was present, along with many of the building-level administrators and staff, and representatives from Miron Construction and Bray Architects.
High School Principal Rick Penniston and Assistant Principal Stacey Kuehn were on hand to explain how the additions and renovations at their school will help with things like the robotics and technology improvements needed to the school up to date with the latest in 21st century learning. They also answered questions about the other additions and improvements planned for a new band rehearsal room, fitness room and the need for larger classroom space.
Representatives from Bray and Miron explained their part in the designing and construction and were able to answer questions on some of the costs associated with the proposed construction.
School Board members actively sought out conversation, mingling with the with the residents and answering questions.
There will be another listening session at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, at the High School, 3128 Graydon Ave.
For more information, visit the district’s website at www.easttroy.k12.wi.us.
