October 29, 2024 at 6:30 PM - Special Meeting

Description:  This is a meeting of the Board of Education in public for the purpose of conducting the School District's business and is not to be considered a public community meeting.

Description:  This meeting was noticed by way of publication in the Waterford Post on Thursday, October 24, 2024, was posted at the District Office (Door #7) and at Entrance #19, and was published on the District's website. Minutes from the regular board meeting of September 16, 2024 are posted on the District's website.

Description:  At this time the board would like to invite any member of the audience to stand with comments about items of interest or concern that do or do not appear on the agenda this evening. Please begin by stating your name and address. It would be appreciated if you would limit your comments to three minutes so that we can keep the meeting moving in a timely fashion and allow others an opportunity to speak. We ask that you remember that Wisconsin law prohibits us from discussing specific employees or their job performance. Thank you for your support of our school district.

Description: 

The Board was asked to select a project for implementation through a referendum in February.  Each project reflects a different level of investment in both infrastructure and educational facilities, allowing for different paths depending on the school's priorities.

1. Project A: Infrastructure Only

• Scope: Focuses solely on essential infrastructure upgrades without major changes to educational facilities or expansions.

• Key Areas:

  • Mechanical systems, including HVAC and water system upgrades.

  • Electrical systems, with a focus on surge protection and electrical distribution.

  • Deferred maintenance on building exteriors, such as roofing, windows, and doors.

  • Interior updates like ceiling, flooring, and locker replacements.

• Budget: $10.8 million.

• Goal: To address immediate needs, ensuring the building remains functional and safe without any large-scale renovations or expansions.

2. Project B: Infrastructure, Building Remodel, and Shop Addition

• Scope: Builds on the infrastructure upgrades from Project A, adding significant remodels and a new addition to the auto and construction shops.

• Key Areas:

  • Includes everything in Project A, plus a remodel of various school spaces.

  • Expands technical education with new equipment and furnishings.

  • Adds a new shop space for automotive and construction programs.

• Budget: $29 million.

• Goal: To modernize the school’s learning environments and technical education offerings while still addressing core infrastructure needs.

3. Project C: Infrastructure, Building Remodel, Maple View Area Rebuild & Tech Ed Addition

• Scope: The most extensive option, incorporating all elements of Project A and B, plus a full rebuild of the Maple View area and further expansion of technical education.

• Key Areas:

  • Everything in Project B, with the addition of a complete rebuild of the Maple View area.

  • The Maple View rebuild will centralize music, art, and educational services.

  • Further investment in technical education facilities, with new additions and more advanced equipment.

• Budget: $45 million.

• Goal: A comprehensive overhaul of both infrastructure and educational spaces, aimed at future-proofing the school and providing state-of-the-art learning environments.

Comparison:

• Scale and Impact: Project A is the most limited in scope, focusing on essential repairs and upgrades. Project B builds on that foundation with remodeling and technical additions, while Project C represents a complete transformation with the highest budget and most extensive changes.

• Long-term Vision: Project C offers the most future-oriented improvements, aiming for a modernized, state-of-the-art campus, while Project A addresses immediate needs and Project B serves as a middle-ground solution.
   

The six financing options for the Waterford Union High School District's 2025 referendum focus on varying amounts of debt issuance and their impacts on levies and state aid. These scenarios are:

1. Scenario 1A: $10.8 million, with a 2024-25 levy of $3.72 million.

2. Scenario 1B: $29 million, with a 2024-25 levy of $3.72 million.

3. Scenario 1C: $45 million, with a 2024-25 levy of $3.72 million.

4. Scenario 2A: $10.8 million, with a 2024-25 levy of $3.225 million.

5. Scenario 2B: $29 million, with a 2024-25 levy of $3.225 million.

6. Scenario 2C: $45 million, with a 2024-25 levy of $3.225 million.

Key Comparisons:

1. Debt Amounts:

   • Scenarios 1A and 2A involve a smaller $10.8 million debt issuance.

   • Scenarios 1B and 2B feature mid-range debt issuance of $29 million.

   • Scenarios 1C and 2C represent the highest debt issuance at $45 million.

2. Levy Impact:

   • Scenarios under Plan 1 (1A, 1B, and 1C) propose a 2024-25 levy of $3.72 million, while those under Plan 2 (2A, 2B, and 2C) offer a lower levy of $3.225 million.

   • In both Plans, increasing the debt amount (from $10.8 million to $45 million) impacts future annual payments, but the levy remains consistent within each plan.

3. State Aid Impact:

   • Across all scenarios, there is a negative Tertiary Aid Percentage (-8.06%), which indicates how state aid could decline based on additional expenditures.

   • The total mill rate remains flat or slightly declines in all scenarios, meaning the cost to taxpayers per $1,000 of property value remains flat or slightly decreases over time.

4. Differences in Mill Rate:

   • Scenarios under Plan 1 maintain a mill rate of $1.21 (current rate) initially (2024-25) and gradually decrease.

   • Plan 2 scenarios feature a lower starting mill rate of $1.05 due to the lower levy, making them more appealing for immediate taxpayer savings.

Description: 

The District proposes certifying a total tax levy of $12,229,058 across all funds. This levy is intended to cover school operations, pay off additional debt, contribute to the post-employment liability trust, and support community services.

The tax levy is broken down as follows:

• $8,477,359 for general school operations,
• $3,225,000 for debt service, and
• $526,699 for community services.

The budget approved at the annual meeting includes the use of the district's fund balance, as expenditures exceed the revenue limit set by the state of Wisconsin. Despite this, the district will reduce the mill rate (the amount of tax per $1,000 of assessed property value) to $3.99, down from $4.15, where it has remained for the past four years. This $3.99 mill rate is the same as the rate levied back in 1984.

Description: 

Each year, the District is required to appoint a board member and an alternate to serve as representatives at the 2025 Delegate Assembly.

The upcoming Delegate Assembly is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, at 1:30 p.m. in Ballroom AB on the first floor of the Wisconsin Center. Each school district and CESA will have one board member serving as their representative at the Assembly.