High Voter Turnout Results in “Yes” for Spencer School Referendum

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A rendering of the dome project for School District of Spencer.

Spencer, WI (OnFocus) A $5.98 million School District of Spencer Referendum to expand and renovate the existing school building received a “yes” from voters in the April 2 general election, which received a high voter turnout.

Spencer School Construction Referendum – 100% Reporting
Yes- 781
No- 598

Unofficial Results from Contested Races Only
Updated: 9:24 PM

Now that is has approval to go forward, the district will be able to construct a multi-purpose dome to provide spaces for music and fitness activities, completely renovate the Family and Consumer Science classroom and elementary school entrance, and get rid of lingering asbestos.

To offset taxpayer costs for Spencer residents and allow additional projects that would need to be addressed within the next 10-15 years, the district has applied for a $2.5 million FEMA grant. The district will learn if they have received this grant on May 4. If approved, proposed projects include bathroom renovations, replacement of the high school elevator, and enclosing an unusable outdoor area.

The renovation for the FCS classroom and the moving of the elementary school entrance will take place this summer followed by groundbreaking for the dome project in August, with a scheduled completion in July 2020. However, if the school receives the grant, those funds would not be available until December, meaning the dome groundbreaking would be moved to spring 2020. Renovations would proceed as planned in the summer either way.

Without the grant, the annual tax impact for residents is $90 per $100,000 in assessed value, or $7.50 a month. If the grant is approved, this will decrease to $64 a year.

Spencer School District Referendum to be Presented on Ballot

News Desk
Author: News Desk

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