West Bend board hears referendum construction updates for McLean, GreenTree and Jackson

The West Bend School District Board received a construction update July 28 on referendum- and capital-funded work at McLean Elementary, GreenTree and Jackson elementary schools.

Tim Harder, the district’s Director of Facilities and Technology, told trustees “construction is moving along, as planned,” and presented photos showing interior framing, drywall and plumbing progress at both McLean and GreenTree. He said crews will begin drywall and insulation work after inspections and that in-wall electrical, security and wiring rough-ins are expected to be finished this week.

Harder said the McLean work includes restoring full-height classroom windows that had been previously infilled, repairing dry rot in some original trim and creating a new secure entry, main office and nurse’s space. He said some exterior window installations and larger elements such as gym-area glazing and an air-handling unit replacement will extend into the school year, but that the project team has phased work so classrooms and areas needed for opening will be ready. “There are things that happen,” Harder said of surprises exposed by demolition, adding the district is using contractor allowances and weekend crews to keep on schedule.

At GreenTree, Harder described a larger interior remodel that includes three restrooms being brought up to ADA standards, added early-learning classroom spaces (four classrooms plus a fifth support space) and a new secure entrance. He said interior toilet rooms for each early-learning classroom are already drywalled and being prepped for tile and that HVAC replacement for the school’s air-handling unit is planned for a later break (Thanksgiving or Christmas) because of long lead times.

Board members asked about risks to schedule and budget if crews encounter unexpected structural conditions. Harder said the district and contractor Findorff are in daily contact, using allowances and added crews when needed; he acknowledged some areas may be cordoned off at the start of school but said teaching staff will have the rooms they need. Board member Chris emphasized communicating clear phasing to families so they are not surprised by construction around open houses and the first days of school.

Harder also showed updated exterior renderings for Jackson Elementary, describing design changes to make the front of the building “more welcoming and less corporate” by adding color, benches, bike racks, different window partitions and child-friendly elements. He said the design team is exploring ways to reintroduce a bell and to reuse Jackson’s original cupola details in the landscape.

Regarding site approvals, Harder and district staff said the village of Jackson requested a formal traffic study; the district hired a partner, which has delivered a draft that district staff are reviewing before turning it over to the village. “They have delivered a first draft to us. Our team is reviewing that piece, and then we will turn that over to the village,” a staff member said. The village indicated it does not currently require district staff or the study partner to present in person when it reviews the draft.

Harder and administrators repeatedly framed the work as phased to ensure classrooms needed for the beginning of the school year are usable even if peripheral work continues. He recommended continued close coordination with Findorff and frequent project-team check-ins to avoid delays.

The board had no formal action on construction at this meeting; trustees asked administrators to continue phasing plans and family communications ahead of school start.