Oshkosh school board debates including South Park Middle School in $98.6 million April referendum after county airport zoning raises questions

Oshkosh Area School District leaders discussed whether to include a new South Park Middle School in a proposed $98,600,000 borrowing question on the April 2025 ballot, and they delayed any decision while administration seeks clarification from county and city officials about a Winnebago County airport overlay zoning restriction that lists schools among restricted uses.

The discussion matters because the countyadzoning change (Chapter 24, adopted in 2023) creates an "air" approach overlay around Wittman Regional Airport that, according to board members and staff, specifically lists schools as a land use of concern. If the overlay prevents construction at the South Park site, the district could face added costs, delays and an uncertain path for whether voters should be asked to approve borrowing that may not be buildable as proposed.

Dr. Marcus Davis, the district superintendent, presented three draft resolutions: (1) authorize the borrowing of $98,600,000, (2) approve placing the question on the April 2025 referendum, and (3) adopt draft ballot wording. Davis told the board he has been meeting with city and county officials and legal counsel to identify the appropriate path forward, and he expected further meetings in the days after the Dec. 18 board session. No formal vote was taken on any of the referendum resolutions at the meeting.

Board members repeatedly asked for more detail before any formal referral to voters. Dr. Chris Hess said the public needed clearer communications and some explanation of responsibility for the county zoning…