Oshkosh school board approves waiver and playground contracts amid debate over Fund 80 funding

The Oshkosh Area School District board voted to waive a purchasing policy and approve playground contracts for Jefferson and Lakeside elementary schools after a lengthy facilities and finance committee discussion and debate on whether the district should use Fund 80 (community services) to pay for the work.

Board members who opposed the waiver and the bid approval said they were concerned about getting only a single bid and about whether using Fund 80 complies with state rules that limit community-service funding when it effectively creates restricted access for students. Supporters said the projects address long-standing safety and equity concerns and that district auditors and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) reviewed the planned funding approach.

Board members emphasized different priorities. Those opposed said the district should seek more competitive bids and were troubled by the appearance of diverting community-service funds to projects that substantially benefit enrolled students during the school day. Supporters noted the district’s intent to reduce reliance on parent fundraising for playgrounds and…