For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – An information session will be held March 16 for residents of the Wisconsin Rapids Public School (WRPS) district, who will have an opportunity to vote on two referendum questions on the April 6 ballot.

The first question pertains to operational funding. The district is asking voters for authority to exceed the revenue limit by $2,000,000 for five years.

The five-year operational referendum would focus on improving student opportunities and experiences to: continue to update curriculum and expand digital access to academic software; purchase annual instruction kits; provide professional development for staff to stay current with curriculum changes and updates; provide technology devices for student use and improve internet speed and reliability; and replace outdated audio-visual equipment in classroom.

Facility plans include a science remodel and additional classrooms at Lincoln High School. WRPS photo

The second question relates to a capital referendum. The district is asking permission to borrow $34,000,000 for a district-wide school building and facility improvement project.

About $12,740,000 will focus on safety and security to reconfigure main entrances at all schools to better control visitor access. Another $21,260,000 will focus on educational space improvements to expand and renovate Lincoln High School creating dedicated spaces to meet “the demands of today’s education needs as it relates to science and student resources;” construct a new gym at THINK Academy – Rudolph elementary – to create a separate gym and cafeteria; address any unmet district-wide capital maintenance items.

The district is hosting an in-person meeting with the opportunity to join virtually, live streamed on the WRPS YouTube channel.

An information session will be held March 16, at 6 p.m., in the Lincoln Performing Arts Center, 1801 16th St. South, Wisconsin Rapids.

The meeting will provide detailed information on the referendum questions, proposed plans, and financing details.

“We have a unique opportunity to address our operational and facility needs throughout the district without raising taxes. We are excited about this plan because it will positively impact every school building,” stated Craig Broeren, superintendent. “We encourage our community to join us and to learn about the proposed referendum plans so they can make an informed decision at the polls.”

“As a result of the district’s careful financial planning and retirement of existing debt, taxpayers will not see a rise in the school portion of mill rate if both questions pass. The district is strategically taking advantage of a financial window of opportunity to invest without raising taxes. This coupled with the lowest interest rates in recorded history make it a good time to go referendum,” a district release stated.

For more information, call the district office at 715-424-6701, email craig.broeren@wrps.net, or visit www.wrps.org.