Whitefish Bay homeowners face a $135.6 million decision on April 7, as voters consider funding a new middle school and major renovations across all district campuses. The plan would update aging systems, improve security, accessibility, and sustainability, and redraw school boundaries, but it would also raise local school taxes.
Board Puts $135.6 Million Question On April Ballot
After a multi-year facilities planning process and the approval of a formal facilities charter last September, the Whitefish Bay School Board voted to send a $135.6 million facilities referendum to the April 7 ballot, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The single question wraps together a new building and districtwide upgrades meant to haul century-old schools into the 21st century.
New Middle School Plus Campus Renovations
About $67.7 million of the request is earmarked for a new Whitefish Bay Middle School, with the board also signaling renovation plans for Cumberland and Richards elementary schools, Whitefish Bay High School and the Lydell School and community center, according to TMJ4. District leaders say the priorities include updated learning spaces, health and safety improvements, infrastructure repairs and sustainability upgrades, essentially a top-to-bottom refresh of how students and staff use the buildings.
What It Would Cost Homeowners
To pay for the work, the district is modeling a 21-year borrowing plan at roughly 5 percent to 5.25 percent interest, and the board estimates the referendum would bump the tax rate by about $2.60 per $1,000 of fair-market value, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Under that scenario, the owner of a $600,000 home would pay around $1,560 more a year in school taxes, increasing an example bill from about $3,666 now to roughly $5,226 if voters say yes.
Funding Mix And Local Context
The board says it would combine referendum dollars with about $20.4 million from the district's operating budget, long-term capital improvement trust and community service fund, bringing the total project price tag to roughly $156 million, according to TMJ4. Officials argue that aging buildings and shifting academic and program needs are driving the push to pair a new middle school with a broad slate of renovations rather than tackling projects piecemeal.
Next Steps And Where To Learn More
The district is hosting community information sessions in the run-up to the spring election, giving residents a chance to quiz officials on the details before they head to the polls. The Village of Whitefish Bay's election page confirms the April 7 Spring Election date and links to voting information. For presentation materials, recordings and event notices, residents are encouraged to check the School District of Whitefish Bay and Village of Whitefish Bay websites for updates on meetings and polling locations.
