Neillsville School Board Approves $12.5 Million Referendum for Building Improvements

Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 -- 1:01 PM

The Neillsville School Board approved a referendum question for the School District.

The Board began by approving an initial resolution authorizing general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,500,000 as presented. They then approved a resolution providing for a referendum election on the question of the approval of an initial resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,500,000 as presented.

The School District of Neillsville will put a $12.5 million referendum question on the April 4, 2023, ballot. If passed, the funds will be used to repair outdated electrical lines, replace inefficient equipment, and improve learning environments.

The District sent a community survey in November 2022 asking residents to weigh in on proposed future facility improvement projects. The survey received an impressive 32% response rate, with nearly 84% of respondents recommending the District pursue a referendum.

“We have done all we can to keep our building in good shape,” said John Gaier, District Administrator. “However, buildings age, and at some point, general maintenance can’t keep up with the need, and we are at that point right now where we need to upgrade our infrastructure to sustain an outstanding learning environment for our students.”

The tax impact for a $100,000 property is $124 per year or $10.33 a month. Residents can find additional information regarding the referendum on the District’s website at https://www.neillsville.k12.wi.us/district/facility-planning.cfm.

The Board also approved the three-year social media contract with SocialSchool4EDU as presented and approved the open enrollment program limits as presented. Lance Gregorich from CESA 10, and Building and Grounds Director Mark Spencer, presented a building projects update. The Board also approved the amendment to the managed print services contract with Bauernfeind.

The Board also approved an early graduation request, approved the 2023-2024 High School Course Handbook as presented, approved 2023-2024 Distance Learning Course Handbook as presented, approved the wrestling co-op sports renewal as presented, and approved the annual safety drill report as presented.

The Board also approved the monetary donation from Tricor Insurance in the amount of $100 as presented. The Board also approved the resignation of Amy Veltus from her food service position as presented and approved the hiring of Brianna Hogan for the teaching assistant position as presented.

The Board also heard the Administrators’ Reports. Elementary Principal Marcy Kunze reported on:

• Attendance;
• Monthly character trait;
• Report cards;
• Science of reading;
• 3rd-8th grade spelling bee;
• Family Fun Night – March 2nd;
• And other upcoming events.

Middle School Principal Kory Poeschel reported on:

• Attendance;
• Character trait of the month;
• Holiday concerts;
• FOR Club;
• Mix it up day;
• Christmas ornament decorating;
• School-wide spelling bee;
• ACP night;
• And Rachel’s closet.

High School Principal Craig Anderson reported on:

• Attendance;
• Music department updates;
• ACP update;
• And a graduation update.

District Administrator John Gaier reported on:

• A thank you note;
• Asbestos abatement report;
• Colby School District superintendent opening;
• Neillsville Improvement Corporation agenda;
• Special education reimbursement;
• And an article regarding firearm deaths.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.