School District of Neillsville Facility Planning - (Updated 2/28/23)

School District of Neillsville Spring 2023 Information Flyer

*Spring Referendum Community Meetings*

Monday, March 13 - 6:30 PM

Monday, March 20 - 6:30 PM

Join us in the High School's multi-media room (PIT) to learn more about proposed projects and the estimated tax impact.

Message from the District Administrator

Welcome to the School District of Neillsville’s facility planning webpage. The facility was built in 1954 with various additions over the years. However, much of the infrastructure is original to the building. Despite ongoing upkeep, our facility is showing its age. From outdated electrical systems to leaky ceilings, maintenance needs continue to grow. The district has been strategic in its long-term planning, but the building’s age and equipment condition continue to compound. We are at a point where we can no longer budget for these costly repairs. This webpage will continue to be updated with information as we determine the best steps moving forward.

Community Survey

In November 2022, a survey was sent to area residents to gather feedback on proposed facility projects to address infrastructure updates, building renovations, and sustainability efforts. The District received an impressive 32% response rate, with nearly 84% of respondents recommending the District pursue a referendum. The Board of Education would like to thank area residents for their participation. The high response rate provided valuable information and led the Board of Education to approve a resolution to pursue a $12.5 million capital referendum in the April 4, 2023 election. A copy of the survey results is available below.

Facility Planning Community Survey Results

Maintenance Projects

Projects included in the $12.5 million referendum include electrical updates, replacing inefficient equipment, and improving learning environments.

Electrical Infrastructure–Update the electrical infrastructure from 1954 to bring it up to code. This includes new service panels, lighting, and conduit.

240-volt electrical equipment                                             Outdated electrical panels

HVAC Equipment–Replace heating and ventilation equipment and controls in the high school and District office.

Unit vents in classrooms

ADA-Compliance–Perform handicap accessibility upgrades in the restrooms and locker rooms.

Locker room                                                                              Restroom

Ceilings and Lighting–Install new ceilings, duct work, and LED lighting throughout the school.

Fluorescent lights                                                                  Stained ceiling tiles

Water Piping and Classroom Plumbing–Replace deteriorating pipes when ductwork is done.

Building pipes

Flooring and Casework–Replace outdated casework, remove carpet, and perform environmental testing and asbestos abatement.

Classroom casework

Technology–Install new data cabling, drops, and Wi-Fi in each classroom.

Smart Boards in classrooms                                            Technology in classrooms

Doors and Windows–Replace deteriorating doors and windows for improved energy efficiency.

Deteriorated doors                                                                 Inefficient windows

Technical Education–Update the welding fume collection system.

Technical Education area

Field House–Install field house dehumidification to control temperature and protect wood flooring and bleachers.

Field house bleachers                                                               Field house floor

Pool–Perform pool duct work, duct cleaning, and locker replacement.

Pool equipment

Roofing–Replace the elementary and auditorium/pool roof.

Pool roof from 1974                                                            Roof hatch

Building Exterior–Perform building tuck pointing, painting, and sealing. Install drain tile around the foundation to move water away from the building.

Exterior brickwork                                                                Building foundation

Playground Asphalt and Drainage–Replace playground and fieldhouse drainage to move water away from the building.

Playground asphalt                                                               Asphalt sloped toward the building

Football Field–Replace football field poles and lighting for safety and efficiency.

Football lighting

Referendum Question

Shall the School District of Neillsville, Clark County, Wisconsin, be authorized to issue, pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed$12,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a district-wide school facility improvement project consisting of:  building infrastructure, systems and site improvements; building renovations, accessibility upgrades and asbestos abatement; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures, technology and equipment?

Estimated Tax Impact

The maintenance needs described above can’t be covered with general funds. The estimated tax impact for a 20-year referendum is $124/year or $10.33/month per $100,000 of property value. Residents can enter their property value in the tax impact calculator below to determine individual tax impacts.

Tax Impact Calculator

Directions: Enter your Fair Market Value (no commas, ex. 150000) and click on Calculate to see your tax estimates.  

Please contact District Administrator John Gaier at 715-743-8728 or jgaier@neillsvillek12.org if you have any questions about the proposed maintenance projects or the estimated tax impact of this referendum.