After the unsuccessful referendum in April 2025, the Marinette Board of Education and administration have continued to explore potential solutions for the facility challenges our students and staff face every day at our middle school and high school.
This process has included comprehensive assessments of the buildings and grounds, consideration of multiple project options and the gathering of feedback from district staff, families and residents through a community-wide survey.
The survey asked participants about multiple project options, among other questions. The option that received the most support from respondents was a potential $68 million facilities referendum with a corresponding property tax impact of up to $0.47 per $1,000 of equalized property value. Our community will vote on that specific proposal Tuesday, Nov. 3.
If at least 50% of voters approve the referendum, these funds will support a series of additions and targeted renovations that would modernize academic spaces to meet the needs and expectations of today’s students and teachers, improve safety and security, address accessibility challenges and replace aging infrastructure and mechanical systems.
At the middle school, our proposal would replace the three-story 1961 building and the tech ed/art wing (dating back to 1921) with two additions housing career and technical education (CTE), art, music, special education and a commons area. Classrooms would be remodeled to accommodate small- and large-group collaboration, and playground equipment would be replaced.
At the high school, there would be renovations to the CTE, music and science spaces, as well as the auditorium. Sections of the roof that are aging and deteriorating would also be replaced.
A notable list of improvements that are also planned to take place at each of the campuses includes: Replacement of major HVAC systems, including the installation of air conditioning where needed; replacement of outdated security systems to better monitor and control visitor access and improve student safety; renovation of the science labs, locker room and restrooms to improve safety and accessibility; updates to flooring, ceilings, walls and lighting in some classrooms; replacement of exterior windows and doors for efficiency and security; replacement of the maintenance and storage buildings; and the installation of new bleachers.
Each component of the facilities referendum proposal addresses a key aspect of our needs assessment and aligns with the feedback we have received from our community. By acting now, we can address these issues, help our schools better serve future generations of Marines, reduce operational expenses and avoid higher costs later.
As mentioned, the approved referendum would have a tax impact of $0.47 per $1,000 of equalized property value. This potential change would increase a property owner’s tax bill by about $7.83 per month (or $94 per year) on a $200,000 home.
To help ensure MSD residents have access to clear, accurate information, a facilities referendum website is available at www.msdreferendum.org. In addition to project details and answers to FAQs, visitors will find a property tax impact calculator.
Community members are also encouraged to attend an upcoming information session to learn more about the referendum. Each event will feature a presentation by MSD administrators and a question-and-answer session.
The referendum website has a contact form for submitting questions and feedback about the November referendum. If you would like to speak directly about this important issue, you can call (715) 735-1400 or email matt.smith@marinette.k12.wi.us.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here