On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Marinette School District (MSD) residents will vote on a facilities referendum that would allow the district to move forward with a series of capital improvements at our middle school and high school campuses.
These two schools have served the community for generations, but our students and staff today face facility challenges every day because of the buildings’ age and condition. This extensive list includes failing heating systems and equipment, outdated plumbing systems, areas that are not ADA accessible and windows and doors needing to be replaced.
There are also safety and security systems and equipment that do not meet today’s standards, along with outdated academic and fine arts spaces.
An approved referendum would provide up to $68 million to address many of the issues previously identified in professional assessments of our buildings and grounds.
These improvements would allow us to:
Engaging with community members has been a priority for the school board and administration throughout this process.
Earlier this year, the district conducted a community survey to gather feedback and input on potential project and referendum plans. Over the past month, the district held four informational sessions that gave residents opportunities to see the facility issues in our schools firsthand, learn how the referendum would support MSD and our students and ask questions.
As expected, multiple attendees at the information sessions asked about the potential impact the facilities referendum would have on local property taxes.
If the measure on the ballot is approved next month, the expected tax impact would be $0.47 per $1,000 of equalized property value. For a $200,000 home, this would increase the property owner’s tax bill by about $7.83 per month — or roughly $94 a year.
We understand that the costs associated with many everyday items and services have increased due to inflation and other factors, and we aim to respect the needs of our taxpayers and balance their needs with those of our schools and students. This is evidenced by the fact that since 2015 - 2016, MSD’s mill rate has fallen 35%.
With an approved referendum next month, the district’s mill rate will still be lower than the rate that was in place as recently as 2024.
Everyone should have the information and answers they need before election day on November 3. Please visit our referendum website, at www.msdreferendum.org, for more information, including project details, a property tax calculator and answers to frequently asked questions.
A contact form is also available for submitting questions on the referendum website. If you would like to speak directly about the referendum, please call (715) 735-1400 or email matt.smith@marinette.k12.wi.us.
Thank you for your engagement on this important issue as we look to reshape our middle school and high school for the future — and for considering the facilities referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here