April 2024 Referendum

UPDATES – Bayland Buildings bidding process and dates:

• Bid documents released for competitive bid: Thursday, November 21st.
• Onsite contractor bid walk-thru: Wednesday, November 27th (No school).
• Competitive bid due date: Monday, December 9th.  
• Bayland to thoroughly review all competitive bids received and prepare final bid results: 12-9 to 12-11.
• Final bid result information provided to you on Wednesday, December 11th. 
• Final bid result information provided to the Algoma school board on Monday, December 16th.  School board to approve bid results as presented or deny and project to be revised and rebid

CURRENT NEWS:

➢ McKinstry has been working on energy efficiency upgrades.

➢ Bayland Builders is in the “design phase” and they are finalizing plans and getting ready to go out to bid. The project list for referendum work is:

• Plumbing at AES
• Roofing at AES
• Parking lot & Track replacement at MS/HS
• Lighting, sound, & ceiling tile replacement in PAC
• Safety upgrades (rekeying doors, front entrance of MS/HS, & visitor ID)
• Rubber playground surface at AES
• MS/HS remodel
  • Band/choir, AVA, Technology & Ag
  • Window replacement
  • Restroom remodel

The referendum on capital improvements for the Algoma School District was passed on April 2, 2024.

Thank you for taking a moment to view the Algoma School District’s referendum page on our website.  This page is intended for community members to view resources regarding the District’s April 2, 2024 Capital Referendum.  Our goal is to inform voters living in the Algoma School District on the current state of our facilities, the impact a $10.05 million referendum will have on our buildings, and the financial impacts it will have on taxpayers.  

As you explore the resources linked on our website, you will see the timeline and process the District has taken before voters are asked to cast their ballot this spring.  Community input has been and continues to be a large part of the process.  We welcome members of the community to attend an upcoming Informational Session to learn more about the referendum.

• March 12 at Elementary Performing Arts Center
  • 5:00-6:00 pm: Tour Elementary School 
  • 6:00-7:00 pm: Informational Presentation 
• March 21 at Middle School/High School Library
  • 5:00-6:00 pm: Tour of Middle/High School
  • 6:00-7:00 pm: Informational Presentation

DOCUMENTATION

• Algoma Referendum Presentation
• Algoma Community Survey Results
• Algoma Community Advisory Committee Final Report
• Referendum Do’s & Don’ts
• Community Survey
• September 28 Community Advisory Committee Presentation
• September 28 Community Advisory Committee Minutes
• September 28 Community Advisory Committee Agenda
• September 18 Community Advisory Committee Minutes
• September 18 Community Advisory Committee Presentation
• September 18 Question and Response (Q&R)
• September 11 Community Advisory Committee Minutes
• September 11 Community Advisory Committee Agenda
• September 11 Community Advisory Committee Presentation
• Summary of Reflections, Questions, and Want to Know More from Group Activities
• Community Advisory Committee Charge and Guiding Principles
• Community Advisory Committee Members
• Algoma School District Facility Study

TIMELINE

November 2022 – Algoma School Board examined the financial forecast of the District and determined that a Facility Study was needed to closely look at the aging infrastructures.  The Board of Education interviewed three companies to complete a Facility Study (Miron, CD Smith, McKinstry).  McKinstry was selected based on prior work they have done in the District and their working relationship with Bayland Builders.

January-July of 2023 – A comprehensive Facility Study was completed by McKinstry and Bayland Builders.  Input was collected from teachers, support staff, administration, and board members as a starting point.  A few guiding principles that steered the Facility Study included safety/security, financial impact to taxpayers, equitable student access, community use of facilities, and community engagement.  The Facility Study also included extensive walkthroughs of our buildings and studying the inner-workings of our mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, roofs).  The findings of the Facility Study were given to the Board of Education at the July meeting.

August-November 2023 – The community members residing in the Algoma School District were invited in August to join a Community Advisory Committee (CAC).  The charge for the CAC was to offer input to the Board of Education relating to the Facility Study and a possible referendum.  The CAC was made up of 35 parents, community members, staff, local elected officials, and business owners.  The CAC met three times in September to review the complete Facility Study, tour the buildings, learn how the community uses the District’s facilities, understand school safety and security, and uncover the financial impacts school districts face.  

November 2023 – The Board of Education had a desire to hear more from the Algoma Community about a possible referendum.  This led to a community survey being mailed to households in November.  Survey results showed that nearly 70% of all individuals supported the Algoma School District moving forward with a base plan of $10.05 million.  The survey also showed limited support for additional projects such as a bus garage and indoor practice facilities for softball/baseball.

December 2023 – The CAC met for a fourth time to review the community survey results.  The CAC made a final recommendation of solutions to critical facility needs to the Board of Education.

January 2024 – The Board of Education identified facility improvement projects based on the CAC and community survey results.  The board voted on January 8 to adopt a final resolution asking the community to vote on April 2, 2024 for a $10.05 million capital needs referendum.  

January-April 2024 – An educational campaign will describe the current needs across the Algoma School District and how a capital referendum will solve these issues.  The community is welcome to attend informational sessions and tours of our buildings on March 12 and 21.  Additional informational sessions will be held at local organizations, community events, and local municipal meetings.

April 2, 2024 – Election Day   

As you learn more about Algoma School District’s referendum, we encourage you to reach out to Superintendent Jesse Brinkmann with questions.  He can be reached at (920) 487-7001 ext. 2303 or by email.

Thank you for your continued support for the Algoma School District.  Go Wolves!