Nearly 60 percent of Sauk Prairie residents support $65 million referendum

On Nov. 18 the Sauk Prairie school board members announced the results of the referendum survey that was done in the community. The survey was distributed to the entire community and asked questions around the new construction projects that would benefit from the referendum.  The referendum would allow for $65 million worth of construction to take place in the Sauk Prairie School District. This would include updating the high school at a cost of $38.5 million dollars, rebuilding indoor swimming pools which would cost $12 million and adding to the Merrimac Charter building to consolidated students under one roof, which would cost $5.5 million, amongst some other projects.  There were 1900 respondents to the survey and approximately 50 percent of those respondents have students in the district. Community members were curious why the construction needs to happen. Superintendent Jeff Wright said that the construction would help modernize the aging buildings, making them safer, and lasting for 30-50 additional years.  Wright also said that the construction is heading in a “dig once” approach which means,they are thinking long term with the plans and don’t plan to need more construction for many years once complete.  Of the 1900 respondents, 59 percent said they would support the referendum. Survey results showed that 57.7 percent of respondents are in support of updating the high school, which would be the most expensive portion. The results also show that only 49.7 percent of respondents show support for relocating and updating the athletic fields. The survey reported that the community is in favor of updating the outdoor pool with 62.5 percent of respondents showing support for this.  The referendum would raise taxes in the district by approximately 80 cents per $1000 of assessed value; on a $250,000 home this would be an increase of $200 on taxes. Many questions that the community had were answered in this results announcement as well. The board is still looking into how the referendum will affect farmland. The board also stated that they are looking into energy saving measures for the new construction to help offset costs of the new buildings and additions and Superintendent Wright has been working with the Village of Prairie Du Sac on green energy. The board will continue to evaluate draft timelines and collaborate to determine next steps.  Informational meetings have been scheduled for January 9 from 5-7 p.m. and January 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to discuss the topic further with the public.