JANESVILLE — Janesville School District Superintendent Mark Holzman floated the idea of a referendum in a presentation to the school board Monday night.
Holzman presented an update regarding a recent study from Milwaukee-based commercial contractor JP Cullen. The engineering firm provided estimates for every district facility, including the district office, the Chestnut House, the Rock River Charter School, Monterey Field and Riverside Park.
“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. “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.”
Holzman said the renovations and the finances could not be handled by the district at one time and they would have to be spread out over a 10-15 year period in stages. To start, three community information sessions have been scheduled. The first will be Feb. 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Marshall Middle School; Feb. 29 from 1-3 p.m. at the district office, 527 S. Franklin St. and Parker High School, 3125 March 5 from 6-8 p.m.
Holzman also said there will be a survey sent to residents that is expected to be returned in May, so the board can see feedback in June and potentially start considering a referendum question.
According to the JP Cullen study, the Parker renovations are expected to be $77.9 million. The Craig renovations are expected to be $67.5 million.
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