We partnered with Bray Architects to conduct a comprehensive examination of our schools to identify the most pressing issues that exist throughout the district. Among the key findings of this study were: HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems beyond the end of their useful life spans Many doors, windows, and floors are in poor condition Parking lots that are crumbling and beyond repair Security camera systems are outdated and no longer supported Severe overcrowding in the high school cafeteria space Tennis courts, which are original from the 1990s, are cracked beyond repair and must be replaced A significant need exists to improve safety, security, and accessibility for students and staff. Some schools have drop-off and pick-up areas that are not properly separated from pedestrian or vehicle traffic, and some areas do not currently comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Improvements are also needed for some classrooms and support areas. At WHS, the Career and Technical Education spaces need to be overhauled to better support students pursuing futures in skilled trades. The school’s cafeteria is undersized and does not meet the demands of today’s students. To better support fine arts participants, sound, seating, and equipment in the auditorium should be replaced. You can find a report from Bray Architects at https://bit.ly/WUSDfacilities.

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, our community will vote on a capital referendum question for the Whitewater Unified School District. If this measure receives voter support of at least 50%, the district will be able to issue general obligation bonds of up to $30 million to address facility issues in our schools. WUSD strives to address as many of our needs through the operational budget whenever possible. However, the reality is that many of the facility challenges go beyond what the operational budget can address alone. An approved capital referendum would provide the opportunity to revitalize our schools, provide more resources for our students, and ensure future generations of students have access to the exceptional educational experience our community has come to expect from its schools.

The Whitewater High School auditorium was built in 1993, is a source of pride, and has served our entire school district and community well. In order to continue to use the space well into the future, an investment is needed in updating seating and equipment that are beyond their service life. We are thrilled to be able to offer this space for the hundreds of students currently enrolled in our performing arts courses.

We will not be removing any trees as part of the bus lane project.

If the capital referendum is approved in April, the maximum projected tax impact would be $0.47 per $1,000 of estimated fair market value for a home within the district. This increase would amount to: $47 annually or $3.92 monthly for a $100,000 home. $94 annually or $7.83 monthly for a $200,000 home. $141 annually or $11.75 monthly for a $300,000 home. The mill rate, however, would decline throughout the lifespan of the bond to a low of $0.24 per $1,000 by 2046. More: Baird tax impact report

The WUSD School Board has a proven history of being fiscally responsible and balancing the needs of our property taxpayers with the needs of our students. This is evidenced by the fact that the school district's portion of the local mill rate has fallen by 37% in the past six years. In 2018, the mill rate was $11.67 per $1,000 of estimated fair market value. By 2024 that rate had declined to $7.32 per $1,000.

In fall 2024, our community members provided their thoughts and feedback through a community-wide survey. A total of 832 community members completed the survey. According to the responses, 69% of WUSD parents residing in the district would "definitely" or "probably" support a capital referendum of more than $30 million. Support for a referendum among respondents who are not parents or staff was at 43%.

Election day is Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

District residents can find their polling location for Tuesday, April 1, 2025, by searching with their home address.

Eligible voters can register up to election day, and can even register at the polls. To learn more about registering to vote, visit https://myvote.wi.gov/register-To-Vote.

Yes, voters may request that an absentee ballot be mailed to them for any reason. However, you must be registered before you can request an absentee ballot. If you are registered, you can request an absentee ballot by visiting https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/VoteAbsentee. Note that you must provide a photo ID with your absentee ballot request.

Voters who reside in the Whitewater Unified School District will see the following question on their ballots: Shall the Whitewater Unified School District, Walworth, Jefferson and Rock Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $30,000,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of: construction of additions and renovations at the High School, including for kitchen/cafeteria, career and technical education expansion and to update the auditorium and tennis courts; district-wide renovations, capital maintenance, building infrastructure, safety, security and site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment?