To the editor:
The voters of Shawano School District will vote on Nov. 3 to approve a referendum of $9.25 million for improvements to Shawano Community Middle School. We would like to add our enthusiastic support for this referendum and encourage our fellow voters to do the same.
Over the years, the Shawano Board of Education has delayed improvements to the middle school to keep our annual budget as low as possible. Unfortunately, needs for this building have built up over the years to the point where the board no longer has the luxury of delaying repairs and improvements any further.
The heating system is inefficient in heating, not compliant with current codes, and so old that replacement parts are nearly impossible to obtain. Building entrance security is dangerously substandard and not sufficient to protect our students. The kitchen area and cafeteria is outdated and inefficient. Restrooms and locker rooms are out of code and beyond overdue for upgrades. Parts of the school are not handicap accessible. Band room storage is accessible only by ladder, dangerous, and completely in violation of current codes.
The financial reality of repairs, whether to a home, a business, or a school, is that the longer a project is delayed the more costly it becomes. With interest rates at historic lows, the school district currently is in an ideal situation to borrow and keep costs to taxpayers as low as possible.
To put costs to property owners in perspective, the monthly tax increase on a $100,000 home is about the same as the cost of a toothbrush, and the monthly tax increase on a $150,000 property is less than the cost of an Old Fashioned at a local supper club. That’s a lot of improvement for very little tax impact!
The school district is holding public informational meetings at the middle school on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 5-7 p.m., and Thursday, Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m. If you have questions, attend a meeting and get a good idea of proposed plans.
Strong schools are a hallmark of a vibrant, growing community. New families and businesses give strong consideration to school systems when choosing where to locate. Add your vote on Nov. 3 to keep our schools up-to-date and well-maintained.
We hope that you will join us in voting “yes” on the Nov. 3 referendum.
Dr. Jeff and Holly Zander,
Shawano
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