Referendum Resources & Q&A (Virtual Session: 8.24.26)

Elmbrook Schools held a virtual referendum information and Q&A session on August 31, 2026, about a proposed November 3 capital referendum. District staff described a $100 million, not-to-exceed request for renovations, accessibility and infrastructure improvements, site work, additions, and furnishings/equipment at Swanson, Pilgrim Park, Tonawanda, and Wisconsin Hills schools. The district said the Board selected Bray Architects and C.G. Schmidt Construction through a competitive proposal process to guide facilities planning. Estimated project costs discussed included about $50.3 million for Pilgrim Park, more than $33 million for Tonawanda, and about $6.364 million for Wisconsin Hills; no total for Swanson was stated. The district also described a continuing $5 million annual operating-budget commitment for routine maintenance and smaller improvements across its schools.

The session was informational; no motion or vote was taken. If voters approve the referendum, the district expects at least nine months of detailed design and approvals, with some construction potentially beginning in fall 2027 and completion nearing fall 2029. The district estimated that passage would increase taxes by about $11 per $100,000 of property value, and estimated total repayment on $100 million borrowed at 5–5.25% at about $165.8 million, including $65.8 million in interest. Staff said the projects could not be funded through annual operating funds alone, and that a failed referendum could lead the Board to seek community input and consider another referendum.