Central Board of Education authorizes $39 million referendum question

Voters to decide during April 6 Spring Election

The Central High School District’s Board of Education on Jan. 12 unanimously approved a $39.6 million capital improvement referendum question for the April 6 Spring Election.

According to a district news release, if approved by taxpayers, the referendum would result in an estimated annual tax increase of $59 per 100,000 of equalized property value for the next 20 years.

An extensive facility study conducted last year along with a community engagement process guided the Board of Education’s decision, according to a district news release.

In October 2020, the district conducted a community-wide survey to gather the public’s feedback on potential improvements, with 64% of residents stating they would support a referendum to fund the facility upgrades.

“We are very excited about this plan as it addresses the needs identified in the facility study and will have a positive impact on our students, staff, and community,” said District Administrator John Gendron. “The Central High School learning community is second to none and the facility upgrades will promote continued growth, opportunities, and success for our students and community in the years to come.”

The proposed referendum looks to enhance safety and security, upgrade building infrastructure, modernize educational spaces, and expand activities and performing arts areas.

Safety and security enhancements include modifying the main entrance to better monitor and control visitor access, upgrade/add security cameras, and revise drop-off/pick-up traffic flow.

Infrastructure upgrades consist of replacing lighting, flooring, ceilings, and walls. Other improvements include removing asbestos, replacing roof sections along with updates to plumbing, heating/ventilation and electrical systems.

Modernizing educational spaces, meanwhile, will create and renovate instructional spaces for better technology access, add flexible furniture and develop small-group instruction spaces.

Other updates involve creating a modern art, choir and family and consumer science areas.

Westosha Central will look to add a new gymnasium and cafeteria/commons as well as renovating the existing cafeteria to become an auditorium to support physical education, performing arts programs and community events.

Currently, Westosha Central only has one gymnasium for extra-curricular activities such as basketball, volleyball and wrestling. The cafetorium serves as multi-purpose space for theatrical presentations as well as a commons area during the day.

An informational flyer outlining the question and proposed solution will be mailed to all district residents in February.

Public informational meetings will be held on Monday, Feb. 22, and Thursday, March 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Interested parents and community members are invited to attend in-person at the high school cafeteria, or virtually.


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