Firms sought to study Oconto Falls school needs

OCONTO FALLS — The Oconto Falls School Board will probably decide in May on a consultant to study the district’s facilities needs, especially with regard to aging Washington Middle School.

During its April 20 meeting, Superintendent Dean Hess told the board the administration recently contacted three consulting firms with a request for proposals to conduct a review of existing facilities.

“This is the first step toward gaining solid understanding of our capital needs well into the future,” Hess said. “We’re looking for them to provide information about a condition survey – building exteriors, interiors, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, ADA recommendations and compliance, safety and security.”

The district asked for proposals no later than April 30, and the staff would aim to bring a recommendation for the board to choose a consultant at its May meeting, with the study conducted over the summer and a report back by the end of August, he said.

Hess said administrators are also reviewing the planning from the district’s successful operational referendum of April 2017 with the idea of preparing for a new referendum in April 2021.

About 57.5 percent of voters authorized the board to exceed state-imposed revenue limits by a total of $11.5 million for five school years from 2017-18 through 2021-22. The district said the funds have helped maintain buildings and update the school bus fleet, technology infrastructure and curriculum.

The facilities study is preparatory for a second question on whether to repair or replace Washington Middle School, parts of which are more than a century old.

wbluhm@newmedia-wi.com