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WFB Referendum Notes

Posted by on Oct. 1, 2009

School, Referendum

As you may have read, the Whitefish Bay School District will have two referendum questions on the Nov. 3rd ballot, which is about 5 weeks away.

I have yet to take a position on the votes, although I will pass along some of the information I've received:

Two questions will appear on the referendum ballot:

• A yes vote on Question One would authorize the district to borrow up to $9 million for essential infrastructure improvements as well as safety and security upgrades.
• A yes vote on Question Two would authorize the district to borrow up to $13.6 million for renovations at each school, including improved science and music instructional space at the High School, a new gym floor and orchestra room at the Middle School and remodeled cafeterias and multipurpose space at the elementary schools.

Important clarification: The projects contained in Question One do not require a yes vote on Question Two.  The projects outlined in Question Two, however, require approval of both questions.  In other words, a yes vote on Question One is a prerequisite for the improvements outlined in Question Two.  State law prohibits an explanation of this linkage on the ballot.

(I will also add, that a YES vote on both questions results in $22.6m in expenditures.)

Numerous tours, meetings and forums are scheduled between now and Nov. 3 will enable you to see the proposed areas of improvement and ask questions. 

Tours, briefings, forums:

• Cumberland School - Wed., Sept. 30, 7pm (Gymnasium)
• Richards School - Mon., Oct. 12, 7pm (Cafeteria)
• High School - Thurs., Oct. 22, 7pm (Room 47)
• Middle School - Tues., Oct. 27, 7pm (Media Center)
• School Facilities Referendum Open House aimed at "Parents of 20-Somethings" - Sunday, October 4th from 3-5:30pm at the WFB Library
• Community Forum sponsored by Advocates for Education: Thurs., Oct. 15 and Mon., Oct. 19, 7pm, Public Library.

There is also a referendum website with lots of information  : www.YesYesNov3.com