Public commenters press committee on costs, mayor mailing and oversight of Salem High project

At the April 27 Salem High School Building Committee meeting, public commenters raised sharp questions about cost estimates, communication to seniors and construction oversight.

John K, who identified himself as a member of the Madison Common Council, criticized past spending on renovations and said he had seen large cost figures, including what he described as a $340 million renovation estimate and a $354 million figure cited in a study five years ago. He also said a letter distributed to seniors by the mayor’s office “was really disturbing” and called it a “scare tactic,” asserting the mailing mischaracterized what voters would be asked to decide on May 5.

"It was really disturbing to me when I read it... a scare tactic letter sent to seniors... Signed by the mayor," John K said during public comment. He asked committee members where the detailed cost and scope estimates are posted and requested clarification about what work is absolutely required to keep students learning in safe and effective spaces.

Alicia Arnold, identifying herself as a former parent and former student, said past renovation projects suffered oversight problems—she cited missing stall doors and poor paint work after previous construction—and pressed the committee for assurances about quality control and accountability. "I'm very worried about my taxes going up to spend more money to do a job when I don't believe that there's been really good oversight in the past," she said.

Committee members did not resolve those concerns during the meeting; the chair noted public comment rules prohibit Q&A during the comment period but offered to answer detailed questions after the meeting. The meeting record does not show the committee committing to publish additional cost documents during this session.