Get the Facts

This process began over a year ago when the district identified the need for a comprehensive facilities plan that would provide a timeline for maintenance and/or improvements.  The planning process has included assessing our facility, working with staff, and engaging the community to determine priorities and potential solutions. 

Since November of 2023, our District Administration and School Board have:

• completed a detailed facility audit with an independent consultant

• surveyed staff on facility deficiencies

• reviewed the findings and developed a long-range facility plan

• created a community-based Facility Planning Committee (more than 50 community members) to narrow the focus and identify priorities

• surveyed the entire community to determine how much of an investment would be supported 

After careful consideration and collaborative efforts, our School Board voted to include two questions on the April 1, 2025 ballot. This two-question referendum aims to address key priorities while managing taxpayer dollars wisely.

AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $9,800,000

Said Initial Resolution was adopted pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes to authorize a borrowing in an amount not to exceed $9,800,000 through the issuance of general obligation bonds of the District for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of: remodeling and capital maintenance improvements at the Middle/High School; district-wide infrastructure, safety, security, accessibility and site improvements; construction of a transportation building; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment.

AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $3,350,000

Said Initial Resolution was adopted pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes to authorize a borrowing in an amount not to exceed $3,350,000 through the issuance of general obligation bonds of the District for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of: construction of a track and field facility and site improvements at the Middle/High School campus; swimming pool improvements; related safety, security and accessibility improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment.

We have addressed as many of our facility needs as possible within our regular budget. However, throughout this long-range planning process, we've identified several important areas that require a larger investment.

Managing these facility improvements now will prevent expensive repairs, create energy efficiency, and improve safety while modernizing spaces, especially in the Middle/High school that is 27 years of age. With guidance from a community task force, and feedback from our community and staff, the proposed improvements have been prioritized to proactively address our facility.

The district has also listened to the community and reduced the cost of addressing our outdoor facility needs.  Question 2 of this referendum includes facility improvements that would create opportunities for student athletes that have been unavailable in Spring Valley over the last 40 years – while minimizing the impact on our taxpayers.

Question one includes updates aimed at enhancing safety, improving infrastructure, and improving learning environments at the main school buildings. The priorities include:

Safety & Security Enhancements

• Upgrading fire alarm systems and maintaining electrical panels for improved safety and reliability

• Adding a fire sprinkler system to improve emergency safety measures

• Updating the building card access systems and adding locker room access controls

Efficiency Upgrades

• Replacing outdated HVAC controls and cooling equipment, including exhaust fans

• Replacing aging water heaters, softeners, and booster pumps for better efficiency and reduced maintenance

• Switching to energy-efficient LED lighting throughout classrooms and hallways

• Installing thermal equalizer fans in the elementary school gymnasium

Learning & Support Space Improvements

• Renovating special education classrooms to support collaborative instruction and include new dedicated restrooms

• Upgrading the welding and wood shop areas, to include new hoods, a dust collector, and wash stations

• Connecting the tech ed classroom to the shop for more flexibility with project work and improved supervision

• Improving sound insulation in the elementary music room

• Adding a Mothers Room for both elementary and high school use

• Updating locker rooms and shower stalls

• Modernizing the commons area flooring, ceiling, wall color, counters, seating, and furniture

• Expanding and improving the school store in a central and common location

• Installing new drinking fountains throughout the middle/high school 

• Replacing flooring in corridors 

Building & Site Repairs

• Upgrading transportation building for improved bus operations

• Replacing and refurbishing select exterior doors, and hardware for improved security

• Repairing sidewalks, pavement, cracked concrete panels, and the building exterior

• Improving storm water drainage with new downspouts and landscaping

For additional information on the list of facility projects included in the referendum please contact John Groh, District Administrator, at 715-788-5551, ext. 3184 or email grohj@springvalley.k12.wi.us.

Question 2 focuses on our athletic and pool facilities and the priorities include:

• Upgrading gymnasium scoreboards and backboard control system at middle/high school.

• Addition of track at main school with field events, grass practice phy ed field (not turf)

• Improving batting cage, bleachers, press box, and goalposts at downtown fields.

• Addressing heating, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and roofing needs of our 40+ year old pool facilities.

For additional information on the list of facility projects included in the referendum please contact John Groh, District Administrator, at 715-788-5551, ext. 3184 or email grohj@springvalley.k12.wi.us.

Our community survey indicated that improvements in safety, learning spaces and infrastructure would receive the greatest community support in a referendum, which is why those elements are included in Question 1. However, our Community Task Force concluded that athletic and pool facilities were also important, so voters will have the opportunity to consider both options. This plan has been scaled down to honor voter feedback and maintain our facilities in a fiscally-responsible manner.

Approval of both referendum questions would result in an annual estimated tax increase of $115.00 per year (OR $9.58 per month) for every $100,000 of property value over the current tax rate for debt. The two referendum questions break out as follows: 

• Question 1: Approval of this question would result in an annual estimated tax increase of $85 per year (OR $7.08 per month) for every $100,000 of property value.

• Question 2: Approval of this question would result in an annual estimated tax increase of $30 per year (OR $2.50 per month) for every $100,000 of property value. 

If both questions are approved, the District could address priority maintenance needs and protect our taxpayers’ investment for years to come. 

Note:

• Assumes an amortization of 20 years using a planning interest rate of 5.00%.

• Mill rate based on the 2024 Equalized Valuation (TID-OUT) of $517,534,373 with annual growth of 0.00% thereafter.

• Estimated referendum mill rate increase net of estimated state equalization aid.

• Planning estimates only. Significant changes in market conditions will require adjustments to current financing plan. Rates subject to change

If these referendums are not approved, our Board of Education will have to review options to meet these needs, as they cannot be addressed within our annual budgets. If left unaddressed, the needs will only get worse and lead to costly repairs. Project costs also increase over time, so doing the work sooner rather than later will save our taxpayers money.

• Register to vote at myvote.wi.gov

• Learn More about voting absentee by mail

• Election day voting is April 1, 2025. Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm 

• Absentee ballots can be requested online and will be mailed three weeks prior to the election (March 11th)

• Early in-person voting runs from March 18 – 28, during regular office hours 

• Election day voting is April 1, 2025. Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm 

• Polling places can be found here

If you have any questions about your polling place, voting by absentee ballot, voter registration, etc., please visit My Vote Wisconsin.

The equalized value of your property will the basis by which your property taxes are determined.