Oshkosh school board advances $198.6 million Phase 2 facilities plan, sets referendum timeline

The Oshkosh Area School District presented a revised Phase 2 facilities proposal to the school board on Dec. 4, 2024 that would cost about $198.6 million, add air conditioning to three elementary schools, build a new middle school on the South Park site and reorganize several elementary and specialty sites — and the district said the plan can be structured with no increase to the local tax levy.

District administrators told the board the plan responds to community feedback and seeks a defined scope so staff can prepare a referendum question for board review on Dec. 18 and possible board approval on Jan. 8 to place a question on the April 1, 2025 ballot.

Why it matters: Administration said the package addresses aging facilities, creates operational savings through consolidation, and prioritizes early childhood and learning environments. Board members on both sides said upgrades are needed now to avoid higher future costs and to improve learning conditions, especially for early childhood programs and South Park students.

What’s in the package: The district’s refined scope includes: constructing a new middle school on the South Park site; repurposing the former Perry Tipler school to house district alternative programs…