Update on Status of Old Middle School
In November 2016, Sheboygan Falls School District voters approved the referendum that built the new Sheboygan Falls Middle School. In the approved referendum, an additional $1.2 million was approved for either tearing down the old school building and returning it to green space, or, if the building was sold, to be used on long-term capital improvement projects.
One Step Away from Being Sold
The building is just one step away from being sold to General Capital who intends to convert it to senior living apartments. Pending final approval by city council for the property to be a TID (Tax Incremental District), the sale would allow the District to use the funds for completing facilities projects.
In fall 2018, the district completed an updated facilities study to identify and prioritize the most critical maintenance and capital improvements needs throughout the district’s facilities. The Board of Education, working with Jean Born, district administrator, and Kevin Dulmes, director of facilities, used the study to determine the following projects that will be completed during summer 2019.
- Replace a section of the High School roof;
- Secure the entryways at the High School;
- Remodel the High School art room;
- Move the High School athletic trainer offices for equal access by both female and male athletes;
- Replace ventilation for the High School science rooms.
“In accordance to regulations governing the bond parameters, the work must be completed and paid for by April 2020,” said Mary Blaha, district director of business services.
Therefore, the District expects that it will bid the work this Spring, for completion this summer.
“There are many more projects than what we can accomplish with available resources. The Board seriously deliberated on many projects and ultimately used the facilities vision statement to guide decision-making. Safety and equity are the key criteria that drove the final decision on the projects,” Born further explained.
Board president John Mauer added that the Board set its facilities vision several years ago to determine several other facilities priorities, including the new middle school. That vision prioritizes safety; equity for all staff and students; and innovative learning spaces.
The projects planned in this current phase fit within those parameters. He acknowledges that there are many more facilities projects in the district’s long-term capital projects plan.
