JANESVILLE — The Janesville School District will host community conversations over the next two weeks based on the findings of a long-term facilities plan prepared by contractor JP Cullen.
The first session is Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 6-8 p.m. at Marshall Middle School, 25 S. Pontiac Drive. The second is Thursday, Feb. 29, from 1-3 p.m. at the district office, 527 S. Franklin St. The third is Tuesday, March 5, from 6-8 p.m. at Parker High School, 3125 Mineral Point Ave.
The facilities assessment was a comprehensive analysis of the district’s 19 academic buildings, which covers approximately two million square feet, and associated sites. Six of the district’s facilities were constructed before 1940, with one dating back to the 1880s.
Numerous buildings have mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems that are at or beyond their useful life, according to a statement released by Patrick Gasper, the district’s public information officer.
Multiple facilities also have inefficient single-pane or non-insulated windows. He also said several buildings have roofs “at the end of their useful life.”
“Many buildings lack breakout areas and large group instructional spaces used for collaboration, small group instruction, or co-teaching,” Gasper said. “Most career and technical education and family and consumer science labs are out of date.”
The district is also focused on safety as a part of proposed upgrades.
“While the district has made important strides in improving safety and security, implementing ‘layered’ security and improving traffic flow can further enhance student and staff safety, and specialty spaces like theaters and athletic facilities have deficiencies,” Gasper said.
At Tuesday’s school board meeting, Superintendent Mark Holzman raised the idea of a referendum in a report about the facility needs.
“I would say it is likely really important for us, and I hope the board is strongly considering an operational referendum question in this upcoming November election,” Holzman said to the school board Tuesday. “That conversation is the lifeblood of the oxygen to the school district of Janesville. That’s something we really need to continue to provide just the services we are providing today.”
Facility renovation costs could cost more than $578 million, but Holzman said that the number of projects would likely have to be done over 10-15 years “in some stages.”
Those who attend the conversation sessions should RSVP at . Questions may be directed to info@janesville.k12.wi.us.
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