Voters encouraged to get informed about reasons behind referendum

In November, voters in the School District of Durand will be offered two referendum questions for a combined total of $19,050,000 for renovations, additions, and demolition in the district.
Question 1 asks: Shall the School District of Durand, Buffalo, Dunn, and Pepin Counties, Wisconsin, be authorized to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $17,550,000 for the public purpose of constructing additions to and renovating Caddie Woodlawn Elementary School and the High School; demolishing a portion of the Arkansaw Elementary School, and completing renovations and improvements for a gymnasium, meeting rooms, and the alternative school?
Work at the middle and high school is estimated to cost $8,000,000, and would include roofing and maintenance items, renovation of science and technical education classrooms, a locker room and weight room addition, ADA and security renovations, and an addition to the commons and entry.
As previously reported in The Courier-Wedge, the junior and senior high school was originally built in 1955, with the tech ed area added between 1960 and 1969. The science rooms were added in 1963, the upstairs in 1963, and the new addition was built in 1995. Caddie Woodlawn was originally constructed in 1966, with a two-story addition in 1988, and the front offices in 1995. Arkansaw Elementary School was originally constructed in 1963, with the gym and office area added in 1980. The back area of classrooms and cafeteria was built in 1992.
A facilities study held earlier this year revealed the need for approximately $6.2 million of work at the high school in the next six years. Throughout the district, approximately $11.5 million of work is needed in the next 10 years.
Work at the high school would include upgrades to science and technology classrooms.
"All the infrastructure in the classrooms is old," said Superintendent Greg Doverspike. "As far as we can tell, it's original to the building, and everything would be taken out and replaced, including gas lines and air hoods."
Doverspike said the classrooms would be new and modern, which also contributes to the safety aspect of the proposed renovations.
HVAC systems would also be updated to be more efficient, including hot water heaters, chillers, and other equipment.
"Things are a lot more efficient now compared to 15 years ago," he said. "Air-tight buildings and better insulation will lead to higher efficiency."
An ad-hoc committee of 15 members met five times over the summer and held discussions, toured buildings, and looked at what the District needed to do, and also considered the most viable options, said Doverspike.
"It was important to the committee to determine what our values are as a district before making decisions," he said. "They used the values to guide the process of deciding the best options and route to take."
Doverspike said the committee considered efficiency, educational quality and technology expansion, safety and security, funding, pride in quality buildings, and long-term planning while determining referendum options.
"Efficiency was considered when looking at having one elementary building," he said. "It's both financially and educationally efficient, as time and resources can be shared in one location."
Additional resources would increase educational quality and improve the technology education program to help kids get a better educational experience, said Doverspike.
"The plans are designed to be more safe and secure at our buildings," he said. "We would have a more secure entrance to the high school and elementary. Some work has been done, but there is more to do. In one building, there is more support and staff available. As it is now, our staff and administration is split."
Doverspike said the process was determined to define the needs as a district, but also to keep the tax-payer impact manageable.
"We actually came in below the threshold," he said. "We understand money is tight, and we were mindful of what the District can afford while still meeting our needs."
As far as pride in quality buildings, Doverspike said the buildings and structure are something people can be proud of.
"The work would produce nice quality, and further accent the buildings," he said. "The commons area will free up traffic and give an open feel, as well as improving flow during the day and after events."
Doverspike said he feels the plan meets the needs of the district and puts the district in a good position for the foreseeable future.
"This fits our long-range needs within the funding needs we were comfortable with asking the tax-payer for," Doverspike said.
Work at Caddie Woodlawn Elementary School is estimated at $8,750,000, and would include a $24,300 square foot addition, building and infrastructure upgrades, refreshing all interior finishes, and upgrades to the site and parking to separate buses and parent drop-off.
Doverspike said having one elementary facility would create ease for parents, and would be much safer for students.
By condensing to one elementary facility, the District would save almost $170,000 per year in reductions in transportation, utilities, staffing, and teacher travel.
Doverspike said the District will use that savings as part of its contribution to the referendum. The District will contribute $300,000 per year.
"The other money will come from money that is being freed up in our Fund 10 budget.
The Arkansaw Elementary School would face partial demolition and renovation on the remaining portion, at an estimated cost of $800,000.
HVAC and exterior wall repairs would be completed, as well as upgrades to the remaining 17,000 square feet. Site work and well repair would be completed, and 43,800 square feet would be demolished.
A portion of the remaining space would be used as the alternative school. Handicap-accessible restrooms would be added, accessible from inside and outside the school. A concession stand will be created to be used by softball field patrons, and the school's exterior envelope would be improved. The gym would remain for school and community use.
Doverspike said to completely demolish Arkansaw Elementary School and build new restroom, concession, and alternative school facilities, the cost would be $960,000.
Question 2 asks: Shall the School District of Durand, Buffalo, Dunn, and Pepin Counties, Wisconsin, be authorized to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 for the public purpose of making improvements to the District's football field and track?
The track would be upgraded with a synthetic surface, and the natural grass football field would be renovated. New bleachers, lighting, and a press box would also be installed at Wayne Field. Doverspike said the facility would be upgraded to be comparable with conference facilities.
Doverspike said he is hoping voters will come to the open houses, read the fliers, and look at information on the school website and the referendum Facebook page, Durand: One District, One Goal.
"I want people to get informed and vote," he said. "I hope for a good voter turnout. The vote result determines how we move forward."
Information is being shared on the Facebook page daily, and a referendum page has been added to the website. Doverspike said an informational video will also be posted soon, and one of the open houses is going to be recorded and posted.
"We hope to get a video and presentation on the cable access channel, as well," Doverspike said.
Doverspike is scheduled to speak to a number of civic groups, and he said he is willing to speak for more. A couple more fliers will be mailed out with frequently asked questions, as well as a reminder to vote.
Three open houses have been scheduled to offer chances for people to view a presentation and tour facilities.
The first was held on Tuesday at Caddie Woodlawn Elementary School.
An open house is scheduled for October 7 at Arkansaw Elementary School. A presentation will be given from 7-8 p.m., with a tour from 8-9 p.m. An open house will be held at the middle-high school on October 21 with the same schedule.
For more information, visit www.durand.k12.wi.us, or email referendum@durand.k12.wi.us.