WEYAUWEGA – Following the Weyauwega-Fremont School Board’s August vote to place an $8.45 million capital referendum on the ballot November 3, district administrators are hosting informational sessions to outline project details and tax projections for area residents.
“The proposed plan addresses high-priority needs across district facilities while responding to the community’s feedback for a more targeted and responsible investment in its schools,” District Administrator Stacey Wester said. “The $8.45 million proposal can be approved without increasing the annual tax burden for debt repayment.”
The $8.45 million referendum represents a scaled-down proposal from an initial $19.5 million concept evaluated earlier this year. That adjustment came after a spring survey collected 463 responses, with results indicating that while community members recognized ongoing facility maintenance needs, total project cost and property tax impacts were primary concerns.
In response to community feedback, the Board of Education refined the project scope using findings from a comprehensive facilities assessment performed by Bray Architects and Miron
Construction. The revised proposal focuses on safety enhancements, infrastructure repairs and capital maintenance across existing school buildings.
Financial data released by the district indicates that overall property tax mill rates are projected to decline as existing long-term referendum debt is retired. The district’s total tax mill rate remained consistent at $9.87 per $1,000 of equalized property value from 2020 through 2024, with debt service accounting for between $3.02 and $4.14 of that annual total.
As prior referendum debt is satisfied, local mill rates are steadily dropping. In the 2024-25
fiscal year, the total mill rate decreased to $9.25, with $3.49 dedicated to debt service. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, the total rate fell further to $7.70 as the debt portion dropped to $2.15.
Looking ahead to 2026-27, the estimated total mill rate is projected at $6.94, with the debt portion falling to $1.39 while the district completes its final payment of $1,689,775 on existing debt. By the 2027-28 fiscal year, existing referendum debt will reach $0, bringing the estimated total mill rate down to $5.55 per $1,000 of equalized value.
“Thanks to the district’s financial planning, this investment in district-wide capital maintenance can be made while keeping the annual debt-service levy at or below the 2026-2027 level,” Wester said. “The existing referendum debt is being paid off and can be replaced with new referendum debt, allowing the district to address high-priority facility needs while continuing its commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayers dollars.”
Site blueprints outline modifications and upgrades across district facilities. At Weyauwega Elementary School, architectural plans include constructing a new addition on the campus to house an administrative support office and school health services. A vestibule will be renovated as a secure main entrance.
Weyauwega-Fremont facilities would see building security system upgrades, accessibility improvements, exterior building enhancements and upgraded furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
The referendum funds would also be used for HVAC replacements and repairs, plumbing upgrades, electrical infrastructure improvements, roofing improvements, and replacement or upgrades to communications equipment.
“This investment prioritizes the needs of our students and ensures the continued proper maintenance of the district’s school facilities,” Wester said. “Given the district’s history of financial responsibility and the urgency of these needs, the Board of Education believes this is the right time to move forward with the proposed referendum project.”
Ahead of the referendum vote, Wester and district leaders held several public outreach events to give community members a direct look at building conditions and project plans. Upcoming events include a Coffee and Community gathering at 8:15 a.m. on Oct. 14, followed by a final referendum information night and Weyauwega Elementary and Middle School tour at 6 p.m. Both events will be held in the High School Forum Room.
The official referendum ballot question asks voters in Waupaca, Winnebago and Waushara counties for authorization to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $8,450,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of school building safety and security improvements, building infrastructure and site improvements, capital maintenance, and equipment acquisitions.
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