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UPDATE: Due to additional equalization aid and property values, the estimated property tax impact for an approved capital referendum will be about $65 per year for every $100,000 of fair market value—considerably lower than the previously projected $174 per year.

On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, community members in the School District of Onalaska will vote on two referendum questions.

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Our Operational Needs

Residents will vote on renewing our five-year, non-recurring operational referendum question. They will be asked to allow the district to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit over the next five years, in the following amounts:

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  • $1,250,000 for the 2023-24 school year*

  • $4,800,000 for the 2024-25 school year

  • $5,000,000 for the 2025-26 school year

  • $5,200,000 for the 2026-27 school year

  • $5,400,000 for the 2027-28 school year

 

*This amount is in addition to the previously approved $3.35 million 2018 referendum
set to expire at the end of the 2023-24 school year.

The operational referendum is necessary to sustain our high-quality services while addressing rising expenses related to inflation and uncertain funding support from the state over the past decade. Residents have approved a continous series of operational referendums for the School District of Onalaska since 2006—with the last approved vote taking place in 2018. Based on current assumptions, an operational referendum can be passed without increasing the tax levy from the 2021-22 rate.

Capital Referendum​

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If the capital referendum is approved, the School District of Onalaska would be able to issue up to $75 million in general obligation bonds to cover the costs of several key facility projects.

 

These include a comprehensive renovation of the middle school and several of the highest-priority projects identified as design needs for the high school. 

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The capital referendum would have an estimated tax impact of about $65 per year for every $100,000 of fair market value.

Proposed Projects at Onalaska Middle School        

Maintenance of Infrastructure:

  • New exterior

  • Updated heating & cooling, electrical & plumbing systems

  • Efficient lighting


Teaching & Learning Spaces:

  • Expanded classrooms

  • New science labs

  • Enhanced technical education classrooms

  • Larger music & art departments

  • More room for physical education & fitness

  • Updated equipment

  • Flexible learning spaces & classroom furniture

Common Areas:

  • Secure and controlled entrance

  • Improved traffic flow and circulation inside and around the school

  • Relocated student services area to provide confidential meeting spaces

  • Increased storage

  • Expanded gymnasium with improved seating

  • More functional cafeteria that can also serve as a learning space

  • Quiet & secure library

  • ADA-compliant restrooms & locker rooms

  • Additional parking

  • Age-appropriate playground equipment

Proposed Projects at Onalaska High School          

ADA Compliance: 

  • 2-story elevator, allowing access to the upper gym mezzanine and fitness room

  • Locker rooms 

  • Restrooms

  • Dance space

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Common Areas:

  • Relocation of receiving

  • Additional parking

Instructional Spaces:

  • Technical Education

  • Science

  • Music

  • Classroom sound control

Questions? Email info@onalaskaschools.com

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