Francois' Facility Focus

May 2024

What’s Next?

Dear Parents and Community Members,


Following the recent referendum in February 2024, our school district has taken the opportunity to reflect on the past three attempts to secure funding for facility improvements. We deeply appreciate the countless hours dedicated by volunteers who have generously donated their time and expertise to this cause. We are grateful for the outpouring of engagement we received, including the encouraging emails and phone calls expressing solidarity and the valuable feedback for future endeavors. We are committed to listening and incorporating your insights into our planning process.


Looking to the future:

While we are approaching the end of the school year, we are already ramping up for a busy summer. In partnership with the school board, we are already actively planning for a renewed facilities improvement initiative in 2025. This ongoing evaluation process allows us to assess our needs and identify areas for enhancement continuously. We believe that strong educational facilities are essential for student success. To achieve our goals, a referendum will need to occur, or the state will need to update its funding formula. These are the two options available to us. We remain dedicated to providing a safe and inspiring learning environment for our children of today and tomorrow. Thank you for your continued partnership. Your unwavering commitment to our school district is invaluable.


Together, we can shape a bright future for our students.

Dr. Lucas Francois

What are we doing in the meantime?

While it is essential to understand that the vast majority of these projects require significant funding, the district is working hard to obtain funds and accomplish projects that can be done through grants and fundraising.

Reduced Expenditures

  • Reduce staff, related salaries, and benefits.
  • Transition to self-funded health insurance.
  • Restricted post-employment benefits.
  • Shifting towards energy efficiencies throughout infrastructure

Grants

  • Voice Grants through Gateway Technical College can be used for classroom materials that offer Dual Enrollment. (Received)
  • COPS grant for safety and security (Pending)
  • Transition Readiness Grant can be used to purchase a vehicle that provides training to students (Pending)
  • DWD Grant can be used on technical education equipment and minor facility improvements (Received)
  • CTE Grant can be used on classroom supplies and equipment to expand further certification opportunities (Received)
  • CESA 6 Foundation Grant can be used on curriculum (Received)
  • DPI Title Grants can be used for professional development and staff wages (Received)
  • IDEA Grant for Special Education and Early Intervention (Received)
  • Get Kids Ahead Initiative Grant can be used for alternative education (Received)
  • Robotics Grant can be used on Robotics (equipment, materials, competitions) (Received)
  • School Nurse Grant through CESA 2 can be used on nursing materials and wages/benefits (Received)
  • Digital Mapping Grant can be used on increasing security measures throughout the building (Received)
  • Casey’s Cash for Classroom Grants (Denied)
  • Educator Effectiveness grant can be used on instructional staff training (Received)
  • Final Phase of Evidence-Based Instructional services can be used to keep students on track after COVID (Received)

Department Fundraisers

  • The automotive department is hosting its first car show to raise funds for equipment in its space.
  • The art department hosted its first craft vendor sale to raise funds for their art students.
  • Music continues to host numerous events throughout the year to raise money (Madrigals, USO, etc)
  • The communication team is organizing the craft vendors for Waterford Balloonfest.
  • Athletic groups host youth programs in the summer.
  • Culinary hosts staff luncheons where staff can pay $10 for a lunch prepared by the students.

Alternative Revenue

  • The athletics department is looking at having advertisements available to purchase for local businesses.
  • The district has partnered with Aducation, which works on advertisement opportunities for the school. We have secured our first deal with UW Whitewater.
  • Increased open enrollment into the district.

Where have we been?

In April 2019, Waterford Union High School sought approval from the local community for a $9,950,000 bond referendum, which was successfully passed by the residents. As we look ahead to another referendum in 2025, I want to express gratitude for your previous support and provide an update on how the funds from the 2019 referendum were utilized. Here's a breakdown of how the money was spent:

ITEM

DOLLAR AMOUNT

COMPLETED

Major replacements of the most critical roof areas

$1,200,000

Yes

HVAC System (Three rooftop chillers)

$900,000

Yes

Technology (Wiring, switches, servers, phones, PA, and bell systems)

$1,000,000

Yes

Parking Lot

$1,000,000

Yes

Drop off Entrance

$500,000

Partially, a new parking lot and entrance was constructed but overruns for contaminated soil caused a bus drop-off zone to be delayed.

Fitness Center

$1,000,000

Yes

Program Upgrades (FACS, Agriculture, and Arts)

$1,400,000

Partially. A FACS residential and commercial kitchen and small animal lab were constructed.  Art rooms were not completed due to the relocation of an agricultural greenhouse.

Classrooms and Office Refresh (paint, doors, locks, safety concerns)

$1,500,000

Yes

LED Lighting

$500,000

Yes

Outside Buildings (additional fencing, new storage shed, new visiting team locker room, and, if possible, a soccer concession stand with restrooms)

$450,000

Partially. A new storage shed was constructed. The visiting team locker room and soccer, concession stand with restrooms were not completed, and instead, the entire building was retrofitted with LED lighting.

Contingency

$500,000

Yes utilized for removing contaminated soils and asbestos uncovered when installing the parking lot.

Thank You!

If you would like to schedule a time to meet to discuss more, please email me at lfrancois@wuhs.us

WUHS inspires all to achieve high expectations and ensures that each student is prepared for college or career and life.

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611 W. Main St.

Waterford, WI 53185


Phone: 262-534-3189

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