District outlines timeline and hires plan after successful referendum; staff to get 6% raise next year

District staff laid out next steps for the recently passed referendums during a board workshop on Nov. 25, telling employees and the public how funds will be phased and who will oversee projects.

"The successful referendum is gonna net all employees 6% increase. That will happen next school year," said Mr. Norris, the district staff presenter, describing how the staffing and compensation portion of the referendum would be implemented. He added that a separate cost-of-living (CPI) adjustment is expected in the 3% range, and that the district is preparing to incorporate both the referendum-funded increase and the CPI change into next years budget planning.

Election results and funding overview District presenters reported strong referendum support across the four municipalities that overlap with the district (West Allis, West Milwaukee, New Berlin and Greenfield). The presenters noted turnout was higher in the presidential election cycle compared with prior midterm cycles and that the district expects to begin issuing bond proceeds early in 2025, pending board actions on a parameters resolution.

Facilities planning, procurement and oversight District staff described a multi-step procurement plan: issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for an owner's representative or construction management firm and for a financial manager, run interviews and award contracts in early 2025, then begin staged construction and other projects in summer 2025. Presenters emphasized the districtintention to post a project-manager job (the administrator who will oversee day-to-day project coordination) and to keep the community informed through mailers, a project webpage, monthly newsletters and social posts.

Why it matters: scope, timing and oversight Administrators said the district will consider use of either an owner's representative or a construction management firm depending on project complexity. An owner's rep charges a flat fee, staff said, while larger construction management firms typically charge a percentage; staff argued the district could save money by matching project size to the procurement model.

Staffing and budget signals Presenters told employees the referendumfunds will pay a 6% across-the-board compensation increase and that the district is projecting a likely CPI-related increase of about 3%, yielding an expected total increase in the neighborhood of 9% for bargaining next year. The district said a final CPI figure is set after the calendar year ends and that the board and administration will present a final plan during the FY25 budget process.

Communications and public accountability Carolyn Hahn, director of communications and engagement, said the district will use mailings, social media highlight reels, the referendum webpage and monthly newsletters to share project updates and timelines. A proposed communications cadence included a postcard to all households, regular construction-status posts and a dedicated project area on the district website.

Next steps and timeline Presenters outlined a schedule: publish RFPs in December; interview vendors and present contract recommendations in January-February 2025; approve final contracts in February-March; and begin work on approved projects after school ends in summer 2025. Staff said an initial parameters resolution to authorize bond issuance will be presented to the board for approval in December.

Board discussion Board members asked how district facilities staff and maintenance schedules would coordinate with a new project manager and whether ongoing district projects not funded by the referendum could be combined with referendum projects to save costs. Staff said they will coordinate the lists to identify logical efficiencies and avoid duplicate mobilization costs.