The public is being invited to learn about plans to address two aging Sheboygan schools that would require a referendum on the November ballot. Community meetings to present the issues and tour the facilities will be held at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, February 29th at Urban Middle School, and on Monday, March 4th at Farnsworth Middle School. The likely referendum will request some $126 million in order to build a new Urban Middle School on Mill and Najacht Roadsand completely removing the existing facility, while a new Farnsworth Middle School would be built on the existing property in phases, using the existing school while the new one is built. A Citizens Advisory Committee convened in 2019 made those recommendations to the board in 2022, and Bray Architects was hired to develop the plans that will be reviewed at the upcoming meetings.
Assistant Superintendent Jake Konrath explained to media last week that the two schools, approaching 100 years old, are at a point where renovations alone couldn’t possibly address issues such as outdated HVAC, structural and site issues, or accommodate 21st Century approaches to education. Konrath said that the District is looking forward to the opportunity to present information and gain feedback regarding a potential referendum. He said that “Our ultimate goal is that everyone is well-informed as we consider the best options for the future”, and that “Schools are at the heart of our community, and we want to ensure we have safe and high-quality facilities to serve students today and for generations to come”
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