District reports progress on referendum construction projects; several schools on track for summer completion

Facilities staff gave the board a progress report on referendum-funded construction projects during the May 11 work session, describing five active sites and near-term schedules.

Cale outlined that Washington Middle School is complete; Star Elementary is progressing through finishes and HVAC start-up; Doty Elementary’s addition is nearly doubling the building and is scheduled for substantial completion and furnishing in July; Chapel and Beaumont projects are active with site and utility work and finish stages in some areas; and Lincoln Elementary’s addition has footing and utility tie-ins underway with a planned turnover before the next school year. Cale said the Red Smith bid package, which includes an auditorium addition and a secure entrance, has been designed and will go out to bid this summer.

Staff discussed reuse of furniture from closing schools, with usable furniture and learning materials being inventoried and transferred to consolidating or other schools in need. Doty’s projected student capacity after transition was described as approximately 530 students. Cale noted some water-related site difficulties at Chapel but said the contractor has navigated the issues and projects remain on schedule.

Cale also said the district was able to modify the Beaumont plan because of a land-exchange partnership with the City of Green Bay, saving taxpayer dollars by swapping land rather than selling properties. The presentation included photos, schedule notes and a brief budget update; staff said aggressive scheduling helped avoid significant inflationary cost increases to date.

Board members asked follow-up questions about secure-entrance timelines, furniture reuse, and the role of land swaps in project planning; staff answered and indicated next phases of design and bidding would occur over the summer.