Arrowhead board votes to place $136.2 million consolidation referendum on April ballot

The Arrowhead Union High School District School Board voted unanimously to approve an initial resolution authorizing general obligation bonds not to exceed $136,200,000 and to place the question on the April 1 referendum ballot.

The district read the resolution aloud and then took a roll‑call vote. Member Farris, Member Angeli, Member Blaszier, Member Hammer, Member Wood, Member Miller and Board President Schubert voted aye; the two absent members had provided written statements of support that were read into the record.

The board framed the proposal as a cost‑reduction and safety measure intended to consolidate the existing North and South campus facilities into a single building, demolish the South Campus, upgrade athletic and site facilities and buy new furnishings and equipment. The initial resolution cites Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes as the authority for issuing the bonds.

Why it matters

Board members and administration said the plan aims to reduce long‑term maintenance costs and address security vulnerabilities associated with operating two separate high‑school buildings. During discussion the board cited district estimates of deferred maintenance needs ranging from roughly $53 million at 10 years to $143 million over 25 years, numbers the administration said support seeking a capital solution now rather than continuing incremental repairs.

What the board said

Board members who spoke at length said the proposal responds to community feedback after a prior, larger plan failed in November. Several members emphasized student safety, improved learning spaces and the potential for long‑term savings from operating a single facility. Board President Schubert summarized the board view as taking the issue to voters as a survey of community support rather than a final commitment by the board.

Administration’s fiscal summary and tax estimate

District staff reiterated the financial assumptions the board used to produce an estimated taxpayer impact. Administration told the board the illustrative tax impact would be “a dollar 2” in year one, about “a dollar 1” in year two and about “99¢” in year three; staff described those numbers as conservative worst‑case estimates that include debt service, loss of state aid and assumptions about new growth.

Public comment and concerns

Several members of the public spoke during the comment period before the vote. Keith, a resident, urged voters to reject the proposal and challenged the board’s presentation of the total cost, saying the bond plus interest would make the real cost closer to $202 million. He also highlighted an estimated recurring loss of state aid and asked who would make up that difference. Jane Owen, another speaker, requested greater transparency on the district’s long‑range facility square footage comparisons, pool design options and what would happen to recently completed facilities at the South Campus, such as the Quad Center.

Absent members’ statements

The president read written position statements from the two absent board members. Board member Benacker wrote he strongly supported the $136.2 million referendum to consolidate facilities, citing safety and long‑term fiscal benefits and praising the design team’s emphasis on security. Board member Ansett’s statement said the plan reflected a pragmatic response to community feedback and noted the proposal is roughly half the cost of the district’s November option; Ansett said if voters reject the measure the district will still face difficult budget and facilities choices.

Votes at a glance

- Initial resolution authorizing general obligation bonds not to exceed $136,200,000: approved by roll call, 7 ayes, 0 nays (members present: Farris, Angeli, Blaszier, Hammer, Miller, Wood, President Schubert). Motion and second not specified in transcript. - Resolution providing for a referendum election on the initial resolution (April 1 ballot): approved by roll call, 7 ayes, 0 nays. Motion and second not specified in transcript.

What happens next

With the board’s approval, the district will place the bond question on the April 1 referendum ballot and continue public outreach. Administration said more detailed project descriptions and community information sessions will follow; the board encouraged residents to review the January 8 referendum workshop recording for full project details.

Ending

Board members and administration repeatedly stated that, regardless of the referendum outcome, the district must address long‑term facility and maintenance needs. The board indicated the April vote will serve as a community survey of support for the single‑campus consolidation plan and urged voters to review the district materials and attend information sessions before April 1.