Sun Prairie Area School District director outlines 2026–2036 capital improvement and maintenance plan

Pete Woreck, director of facilities and grounds for the Sun Prairie Area School District, presented the district’s proposed 2026–2036 capital improvement and maintenance plan, saying approval would permit the district to use Fund 46, its long-term capital improvement trust fund.

Woreck told the board the 10-year plan “identifies our budget goals and aligns with district priorities.” He explained that a school board with an approved long-term capital improvement plan may establish a trust fund funded by a transfer from the general fund and that money deposited into Fund 46 is generally restricted for five years after creation; he said Sun Prairie created Fund 46 more than five years ago.

The plan’s supporting spreadsheet, Woreck said, lists each project by category, building, description, funding score, source and the fiscal year the expenditure is proposed to be completed. He said the district uses third-party consultants to assess and prioritize work and to assist with bidding for several categories, including pavement and concrete repairs.

Key categories in the plan include building envelope work — notably multiple roof replacement projects — and HVAC, which Woreck described as “one of the most expensive items in a capital maintenance budget next to roofing projects.” Facilities staff monitor system condition, tally maintenance requests and recommend replacements intended to occur before equipment failure, he said, while acknowledging emergencies or supply-chain issues can change schedules.

Woreck described athletic infrastructure projects (bleachers, gym floors, tracks and courts) and said the district is in the third year of a five-year elementary playground project that replaces and adds equipment and installs play surfaces aimed specifically at students with disabilities to make playgrounds more inclusive. “Our hope is that playgrounds will become more inclusive for all students and provide an excellent experience,” he said.

Other budget items include safety and security systems (public address, keying, security cameras, door access and lighting), custodial equipment, district vehicle purchases and grounds equipment. Woreck said the district began leasing vehicles this past year and currently has six leased vehicles; he described leasing as “a more cost-effective and sustainable strategy moving forward.” The plan also allocates funds for pool maintenance and an ‘other capital improvements’ bucket for administrator requests and curriculum-enhancement equipment, including water heaters and dehumidifiers.

Woreck closed by referring board members to the situation and recommendation report and the file link in the board packet for the three supporting slides, and by inviting questions and contact via his email or phone. The board packet contains the full spreadsheet and detailed project lists for review prior to any board action on the plan.