FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2024
Contact: Dr. Jay Jones, Superintendent
920-303-2334
jjone@omro.k12.wi.us
The School District of Omro Approves Referendum Resolutions
Omro, Wis. – After thoughtful planning and valuable community input, the School District of Omro School Board voted unanimously to go to referendum on November 5, 2024, asking taxpayers to authorize the District to exceed the revenue limit by $1,900,000 per year for five years for the 2024-2025 school year through the 2028-2029 school year for operational and maintenance expenses. The Board also approved a second ballot question authorizing general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $26.5 million for building and facility improvement projects.
Like many other Wisconsin districts, the School District of Omro deals with increased student needs and reduced state funding. At the same time, significant investments are needed to address the major facilities challenges, including District-wide safety and security; aging infrastructure; overcrowding at H.B. Patch Elementary; and Annual Operations and Maintenance Costs. Following a community-supported referendum in 2020, the District has prioritized continued community involvement in developing a plan to address the most significant needs. The School Board and Administration worked with consultants to develop a Long Range Facilities Plan to guide future investments.
“The Board’s adoption of the referendum resolution is a result of valued community feedback and thoughtful long-range planning,” says Brian Loos, Board President. “Throughout the past year, the District has taken time to fully understand the needs that exist, evaluated many options to address the challenges and listened to our community on their priorities for the future of our facilities. We are thankful that so many people took the time to participate in this important process.”
The resolution language as adopted by the Board of Education reads: Shall the School District of Omro, Winnebago and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,900,000 per year for five years, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the 2028-2029 school year, on a non-recurring basis, for operational and maintenance expenses?
The second question that will be on the November Ballot for District residents asks: Shall the School District of Omro, Winnebago and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $26,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project consisting of: renovations at Omro Middle School and Omro High School, including for safe and secure entrances, classrooms, kitchen and commons space, and construction of an outdoor restroom and concessions; construction of an addition and renovations at Omro Elementary School, including for classrooms and multipurpose space; renovations at H.B. Patch Elementary School, including for a safe and secure entrance; district-wide improvements, including for accessibility updates, capital maintenance, building infrastructure, systems, sitework and traffic safety; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment?
Over the next few months, the District will provide multiple opportunities to learn more about the proposed plan, including community informational sessions with Excel Engineering, Miron Construction, and Baird. A community information session will be on Wednesday, October 16 at 6:00 PM at Omro High School/Middle School PAC.