District shares community survey results

WEYAUWEGA - The School District of Weyauwega-Fremont Board of Education is continuing its facilities planning process following the results of a community survey conducted by an independent research firm, School Perceptions, and recent discussions regarding the future needs of district facilities.
Earlier this year, the Board of Education hired Bray Architects and Miron Construction to complete a comprehensive facilities assessment to better understand the condition of district buildings and identify future capital maintenance, infrastructure, accessibility, and safety needs. The assessment, presented publicly in April, identified facility components across the district that were in poor condition and approaching or exceeding their expected service life. These findings included aging building systems, facility infrastructure, accessibility concerns, and safety and security needs.
As part of the planning process, the Board made a commitment to gather community feedback before making any decisions regarding a potential referendum. In spring 2026, every district resident was provided an opportunity to participate in a community survey administered by School Perceptions, which received 463 responses.
“The Board wanted to hear directly from the community about the district’s facility needs and what residents would be willing to support,” said Superintendent Stacey Wester. “The survey provided valuable feedback that helped shape the direction of the discussion.”
Survey results showed that while residents generally supported exploring a capital referendum, support for the initial $19.5 million facilities concept was limited. The survey found that cost and tax impact were the primary concerns among respondents who indicated they would not support the proposal. School Perceptions concluded that if the Board wished to pursue a referendum in the near future, the amount would likely need to be reduced and focused on the district’s most pressing needs.

Following review of the survey results, the Board of Education spent the summer evaluating project priorities and considering how to address the feedback received from the community. Board members directed district administrators and consultants to refine the scope of potential work and focus on the most essential needs identified through the facilities assessment.
At its August 3 meeting, the Board reached agreement through a formal vote to move forward with drafting referendum ballot language for an approximately $8.45 million capital referendum proposal. The proposal represents a significantly reduced scope from the concept presented during the community survey and is focused on addressing the district’s most critical infrastructure, capital maintenance, safety, security, and facility needs.
District leaders noted that the proposed projects were selected because they address needs identified as being in poor condition during the facilities assessment process and are intended to help maintain safe, functional learning environments for students and staff. The proposal focuses on the district’s most essential needs and addresses them now to help avoid higher repair costs in the future.
The Board of Education has not yet voted to place a referendum question on the November 2026 ballot. The proposed ballot language will be considered at the Board’s August 17 meeting, at which time Board members will determine whether to move forward with a referendum question for voter consideration. Community members are encouraged to attend the August 17 Board meeting and engage with district leaders throughout the process. Residents are also welcome to contact Board members or district administration with questions regarding the facilities assessment, survey results, or proposed referendum scope.
Transparency and community engagement will remain priorities as the process continues. The District plans to provide multiple opportunities for residents, families, staff, and taxpayers to learn more about the proposal, ask questions, and stay informed in the months leading up to the November 2026 election, if the Board of Education votes to move forward with the proposal.
More information about the facilities planning process and Board of Education meetings is available on the district’s website.