New high school in Keshena breaks ground

Menominee Indian School District officials broke ground May 31 on a new, 110,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art high school in the hopes that it will be open by fall 2024.

Students, staff, administrators, school board members and residents of the community came out to see the opening act of a promise made by district officials to bring a new school building to the area. Voters overwhelmingly approved a $35 million referendum in April 2022. Since then, Somerville Architects has been working with district officials to not only design a school with the modern amenities, but built to reflect the Menominee culture, as well.

The school will be constructed using natural, sustainable materials and an open floor plan for collaboration and hands-on, project-based learning. It will also include expanded labs for Menominee language, arts and foods; multi-functional technology education and science labs equipped with areas for woods, metal, auto and agriculture; and a field house with plentiful space for sports and wellness programs that will be open to student athletes, coaches and the community.

Superintendent Wendell Waukau noted during the groundbreaking that the facility, once finished, will be of great benefit to future students. He said that the district has a friend in Miron Construction, which will manage the building work.

“They’ve got commitment for our community,” Waukau said. “They’ve done work in our community. They’ve done work for our school system. They understand our needs, and it’s really great to have that kind of partnership with both Miron and Somerville.”

School board member Regina Washinawatok noted that it has been less than 50 years since the school district has formed. When it began in 1976, community members were told they only had that summer to develop a K-12 system and find facilities to be used. Washinawatok said the people involved did not expect to have a senior class that first year, but many students who were attending school in Shawano wanted to graduate in Keshena that year.

Since then, the school district has endured and is in a growing phase. When the new high school opens, an anticipated 350 students will be attending there.

School board president David Miller noted that, before Menominee had its own school district, the tribe’s children were shipped off to Shawano, Suring, Gresham and Antigo. Miller has led the school board and, along the same vein, the district for over 20 years, and he wants to continue to ensure that Menominee children get a Menominee education for generations to come.

“We’ve got a lot of our younger students who are taking advantage of our language program and are currently working with MenominiyoU,” Miller said. “We have a responsibility not only now, but into future generations to educate our young people.”

Alexis Zhuckkahosee, Menominee Indian High School sophomore, will be part of the first class to graduate once the new building is complete. She expressed appreciation that the new facility would include more space for sports.

“It will provide modern facilities and technology for our students, give them a safer and more comfortable learning environment, and our students will look forward to a more open and inviting school.”

Once the new high school is complete, Menominee Indian Middle School will be moved into the old high school facility, putting all students within walking distance of all of its schools.

lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com