CG Schmidt presents construction plans for district-wide school renovations

The West Allis-West Milwaukee School District's recent board meeting on May 21, 2025, focused heavily on the district's ambitious construction plans, particularly the upcoming referendum projects. The meeting kicked off with a detailed update on the progress of various initiatives, led by key figures from the district and their construction partners.

Bill Smith, the district's facilities project manager, outlined the phased approach to the construction projects, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and community communication. "We want to ensure that we're being thoughtful about where we hit the district," Smith stated, highlighting the need for equitable distribution of resources across schools.

The first phase of the project, set to commence in June, includes significant renovations to the Central Field House, HVAC upgrades at Dot Key and West Milwaukee, and roofing work at four schools. The total budget for these projects is approximately $9.4 million. Smith noted that the goal is to complete the Central Field House renovations by December, ideally in time for the first basketball game of the season, which is planned as a ceremonial reopening.

The meeting also addressed logistical concerns regarding the timeline of the renovations and their potential impact on school activities. Board members expressed confidence that winter sports would not be affected, with contingency plans in place to accommodate fall sports.

In addition to the construction updates, the board discussed the importance of maintaining budget integrity for each school. Smith assured attendees that funds allocated for specific projects would remain dedicated to those projects, preventing any budgetary shifts that could undermine individual school needs.

As the district moves forward with these significant upgrades, the focus remains on enhancing educational facilities while ensuring minimal disruption to students and staff. The board's commitment to transparency and community engagement will be crucial as these projects unfold over the coming years.