Manitowoc board authorizes $25 million borrowing plan, schedules referendum

The Manitowoc Public School District Board of Education voted at its January meeting to approve an initial resolution authorizing up to $25,000,000 in general-obligation borrowing for districtwide facility work and to place the question before voters in a referendum.

Superintendent (unnamed) told the board, “we have before you tonight a resolution that's been prepared that seeks the public approval to borrow $25,000,000 to address critical maintenance needs across the district.” Board members debated the timing, scope and tax impact before approving the resolution and the related referendum authorization by roll call votes.

The board’s nut graph: the district is seeking funds for capital maintenance, remodeling, building infrastructure and security improvements across multiple sites. Board members and district staff said the money would target critical repairs identified in earlier facility studies and would be paired with district planning to try to avoid increasing the tax levy as a result of the borrowing.

In discussion, some members urged caution and accountability. Board member Matthew Phipps said he could not support the borrowing without firmer, written commitments on how the district would hold future boards and administrators to levy limits: “I will not be supporting this as well,” he said during debate. Other members argued that deferred maintenance posed safety and operational risks and that immediate action was required.

The board also discussed facility-planning support. Superintendent-level staff described a recommendation to engage Cadence Consulting as an owner’s representative on an as‑needed basis and reported that staff and community advisory committees are being formed; district staff said 43 community members volunteered to participate in a facilities advisory process.

Votes at a glance - Initial resolution authorizing general-obligation borrowing not to exceed $25,000,000 for districtwide facility improvements: approved by roll call (recorded votes: Christopher Abel — Aye; Biff Hansen — Aye; Matthew Phipps — Nay; Keith Shaw — Aye; Matthew Spalding — Nay; Carrie Trask — Yes; Tony Bostelica/Vostelka — Aye). - Resolution to place the borrowing question on a referendum ballot (referendum authorization): approved by roll call (recorded votes: Christopher Abel — Aye; Biff Hansen — Aye; Matthew Phipps — Nay; Keith Shaw — Aye; Matthew Spalding — Nay; Carrie Trask — Yes; Tony Bostelica/Vostelka — Aye). - Other actions taken at the meeting (voice or unanimous votes unless noted): consent agenda approved unanimously; an elementary student athletics pilot program funded by state student-wellness allocations approved; hiring of two special-education paraprofessionals approved; the board directed staff to contact the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) about assistance with the superintendent search and accepted flexibility to contact alternative search firms if WASB availability was limited.

The board president and district staff said the district will publish materials for voters explaining the proposed scope and the district’s commitment to minimize tax-levy impact; if approved, work would proceed alongside the district’s budget-planning process. District staff noted prior facility studies identified larger long-term needs and described the $25 million as addressing immediate critical items.

The referendum authorization and initial resolution will be filed with the county clerk as a next procedural step. District staff emphasized that the board’s direction includes an effort to structure borrowing and budget choices so the levy impact is neutral, and that final levy decisions will be made during the regular budget process later in the year.

Ending: The board did not set a specific project list in the motion; staff said project-level prioritization and any adjustments will be reviewed at the finance and facilities committee. District officials also said the community facilities advisory group will be asked to participate in prioritization and outreach ahead of the public vote.