Convinced that grassroots support is the secret to passing a school referendum, the Oconto Falls School Board is asking community members to step forward to lead its campaign.
“We need some community members who are willing to talk about this to their friends,” Superintendent Dave Polashek said.
An organizational meeting will take place next week, marking the development of a core planning group that will lead the push for a yes vote on two referendum questions.
Voters in the district will decide Aug. 12 whether to support a $2.2 million proposal to build a football stadium and track at Oconto Falls High School, re-do parking lots at district buildings and renovate the parking lot entrance at Abrams Elementary School.
A second question asks voters for an additional $1.2 million over the next three years to repair roofs, to attract and retain teachers, and to improve computer access for students.
Polashek said the district’s most recent successful referendum, in 2000, was spearheaded by two community members who chaired a referendum committee.
“They took on the role of going out and talking to groups,” he said.
The school district has met resistance from voters in the past. Three referenda to improve outdoor athletic facilities were voted down and a referendum to provide $825,000 over three years was defeated by a nearly 2-1 margin in 2012.
For the August referendum, the school district has the support of Panther Pride, an organization committed to improving outdoor athletic facilities for students. Panther Pride and its partners developed two softball fields that opened this spring at Oconto Falls High School.
The School Board hopes to build on the momentum generated by Panther Pride and capitalize on members’ passion as a way to spread the word. Panther Pride representatives designed the football stadium and track and would begin moving dirt for the project this fall, if the referendum passes.
“Informally there’s a lot of positive feedback right now. The timing is right,” Polashek said.
School Board member Bec Kurzynske said the district should identify individuals who might be in favor of the referenda and invite them to attend the planning meeting.
School Board member Jan Stranz suggested including members of the strategic planning committee that met in 2011 and 2012.
Polashek said the planning committee should have a solid strategy developed by the end of June.
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