As residents of the Wautoma Area School District prepare to vote on the upcoming school referendums, the district is committed to providing factual information to help voters make an informed decision.
This article, presented in a question-and-answer format, addresses common concerns regarding the referendums, including the scope of proposed projects, financial considerations, and the district’s long-term facilities plan. Our goal is to provide clear, concise, and transparent answers so voters can fully understand how their decision at the polls will impact both the present and future of our school district.
What happens to middle school if Question 1 and/or Question 2 fail?
Regardless of the vote outcome, grade-level reconfiguration and the closing of Riverview Elementary will take place by the 2027-2028 school year. If Question 2 (the addition) passes, grades 6-8 will move to the new 6-12 site at the current Wautoma High School starting in 2027-2028. The addition at the high school would provide an appropriate space to transition middle school students into a developmentally supportive environment.If Question 2 does not pass, grades 7-8 will move to Wautoma High School, and the district will reconfigure space as best as possible with limited funds beginning in 2026-2027. Sixth grade would remain at Redgranite and Parkside Elementary Schools, as the high school cannot accommodate three additional grade levels without an addition. The amount of separation between middle and high school students will depend on whether an addition is approved.
Will staff members lose their jobs if Riverview closes?
Grades 4K-3 will transition to Parkside Elementary. While some staff positions may be reallocated based on district needs and licensure, the Board of Education is committed to finding appropriate placements for all staff who wish to remain in the district.
How long until the high school needs to be replaced?
Wautoma High School is structurally sound. By consolidating schools, the district can take a more proactive approach to maintenance. Question 1 allocates $16.4 million for district-wide maintenance needs, ensuring that buildings remain in good condition.
If Parkside can accommodate more students, why is an addition necessary?
Parkside has the capacity to absorb additional grade levels, but Wautoma High School does not have room to accommodate them without renovation. The addition will ensure that middle school students have dedicated, developmentally appropriate spaces. Without this addition, the high school would struggle to house additional students effectively.
Why doesn’t the district pursue grants to offset costs?
While grants are an important funding source, they are typically limited in scope and cannot cover large-scale capital projects. The district already oversees millions in grant funding, but these funds are often tied to specific programs and are not a reliable source for long-term facility improvements. Additionally, changes in federal education policies may impact future grant availability.
Why can’t the district use crowdfunding (e.g., GoFundMe) for school additions?
Crowdfunding is not a viable solution for large-scale capital projects due to legal and regulatory restrictions, equity concerns, and long-term financial planning conflicts. Schools in Wisconsin rely on a combination of federal, state, and local funding to ensure students receive the resources and facilities they need.
How will the referendum impact special education?
The proposed capital projects will benefit all students, including those receiving special education services. Renovations will help the district maintain and improve programming that supports the whole child.
Why has maintenance been deferred to the point where a building must now be closed and replaced?
Educational requirements and funding limitations have forced the district to prioritize resources. Wautoma is a low-spending district, meaning most of its budget is allocated to staff and instructional services. While regular maintenance has been performed, aging infrastructure, evolving educational needs, and deferred maintenance due to budget constraints have made renovation cost-prohibitive. Much like a home, school buildings require major investments when systems like plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and roofing reach the end of their lifespan.
Building an addition is not about “buying time”—it’s about creating efficient, cost-effective spaces that meet current and future educational needs. If issues are not addressed now, costs will continue to rise, especially as emergency repairs become necessary. Funds from closing Riverview Elementary will be reallocated to maintain the remaining three school buildings.
Is Riverview Elementary in a floodplain?
Yes. The property is built on land that is located within a floodplain. Being located in a floodplain presents challenges, including potential safety risks, structural damage, increased insurance costs, and regulatory compliance issues.
Is Parkside big enough to absorb Redgranite Elementary’s student population if that school closes?
Redgranite Elementary is operating near capacity. While Parkside has room for approximately four sections per grade level, absorbing Redgranite’s students would significantly increase class sizes. This would make additional sections unsustainable, potentially leading to higher open enrollment out of the district.
Why not make Parkside a K-8 campus instead of adding to the high school?
While the land at Parkside was originally purchased with expansion in mind, community and committee input led to the proposal for a high school addition. A 6-12 campus provides better opportunities for students than a K-8 structure.
How old is Redgranite Elementary? Should it be consolidated to save money?
Redgranite Elementary’s expenditures and revenue align more efficiently than those of larger buildings. The school is in relatively good condition, and its smaller size helps keep operational costs manageable.
What happens if the referendum does not pass?
The Board of Education has adopted a long-range facility plan that will move forward regardless of the referendum outcome. However, without additional funding, facility improvements will need to be phased in over time using limited capital funds, which will require reallocating money from the operational budget. This would impact daily operations, programming, and student services.
When did the district begin planning for this referendum?
The Board of Education began facility assessments in 2021. In spring 2022, the district obtained renovation/concept development services. A community survey in fall 2022 gathered feedback on a potential referendum. After an unsuccessful referendum in April 2023, the district increased community outreach efforts, held public meetings, and conducted additional surveys to shape the November 2024 referendum. Extensive education and outreach efforts continue for the April 2025 referendum.
What safety concerns exist in current school buildings?
While situational awareness and prevention are key components of school safety, physical security measures play a critical role. Current school entrances do not provide controlled access, allowing visitors to move freely within the building. Secure entry points, which are included in the referendum scope, would ensure visitors check in at the main office before gaining access to the school.
For more information, visit the Wautoma Area School District’s referendum FAQ page: https://www.wautomasd.org/o/wasd/page/wasd-referendum-faqs.
It is critical that every voter has access to clear and accurate information, as the outcome at the polls will impact the present and future of our schools, students, staff, and broader community.