School District of Baraboo

At its meeting on August 12, the School District of Baraboo Board of Education authorized a capital facilities referendum for voter consideration on November 5, 2024. The $85.7 million referendum plan has an estimated tax impact of $55 per $100,000 of property value.

If approved by voters, the project will:

• Repair and replace aging mechanical systems, electrical equipment, and other major building systems;

• Make room for the district’s new full-day 4-year-old kindergarten programming;

• Add classroom and commons space at Al Behrman, East, and Gordon L. Willson Elementary Schools plus renovate existing spaces.

• Enhance safety and security by improving traffic flow.

The District’s 4-year-old kindergarten through fifth-grade students would be served at Al Behrman, East, Gordon L. Willson, and North Freedom Elementary Schools.  The proposed referendum project would not alter the District's current attendance boundaries. The referendum plan proposes to close the West Kindergarten Center. 

The District initiated the facilities planning process in Fall 2023 with meetings of the Elementary Facility Advisory Committee (EFAC), a group of staff, parents, community members, and local business owners that reviewed potential elementary facilities solutions and provided input to the Board.  

The District also received nearly 1,600 responses to its elementary facilities planning survey.

"The Board has carefully considered our options,” said Board President Kevin Vodak.  “We’ve heard from the community and made the decision to authorize the facilities referendum.  Over time, it will become more costly to replace aging boilers, update electrical equipment, and add classroom space.  By authorizing this referendum, we’re asking voters to consider making these much-needed investments today.”

Throughout the summer and fall, the School District of Baraboo will host informational presentations to provide residents with detailed information about the referendum question.  The presentations will be announced on the District website and social media channels.