This Is How We Referendum

by Melanie Schaefer

     Many questions have come up concerning the proposals for the school district's referendum. The biggest one is, “What is $17.2 million going toward?”

     The key projects of this referendum include renovations to the science, technology, engineering, and math departments. The science classrooms will be favored for $2.5 million. For example, Mr. Heer’s room will gain windows, a lab section, and double doors, just to name a few renovations.  All of which are not currently part of his classroom. Storage space would also be increased for all of the science classrooms. Mr. Heer, Mr. Molle, and Ms. Kroncke recently went to Sun Prairie High School to see what has been done in science classrooms there.

     All four schools will have $4.6 million dollars distributed between them for projects concern safety, maintenance, and code compliance. Safer, more secure entrances will also be installed.     Chris Schaefer, a support staff substitute in the Platteville School District, occasionally works in the offices. She says, “These security modifications are a necessity to guarantee the safety of the students and teachers.”

     Due to first and fourth grade moving to Westview, the gymnasium will be expanded and a two-story addition will be added for $9.7 million. Meanwhile, the size of the kindergarten rooms will be expanded at Neal Wilkins for $300,000.

     The vote for this referendum will be approved or denied on April 7th. This is the same date that the school board election will be held.