Fox Cities News

Local voters have approved a significant $197.8 million facilities referendum for the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD). The measure, which appeared on the April 1 ballot, passed with 13,958 votes in favor and 13,487 opposed, according to unofficial results. This funding will address crucial improvements, consolidations, and enhancements aimed at boosting student learning, safety, and efficiency.

OASD Superintendent Bryan Davis expressed gratitude, stating, "We are incredibly grateful to our community for supporting and trusting in our vision for the future of Oshkosh schools. This investment will provide our students with safe and effective learning spaces while maintaining our commitment to fiscal responsibility."

The referendum is part of Phase 2 of OASD's long-term facilities plan, which has involved community participation since 2017. The plan includes constructing a new middle school at the Shapiro site and renovating existing schools such as Carl Traeger, Franklin, and Oakwood Elementary. Specific improvements will involve adding air conditioning at Franklin, Oakwood, Emmeline Cook, Lakeside, and Read Elementary schools. Additionally, Perry Tipler Middle School will transform into a pre-kindergarten center and recreation department, while South Park Middle School, Roosevelt Elementary School, and the downtown recreation center are slated for closure and sale. A new auditorium is planned for Oshkosh North High School.

These decisions will reduce the number of westside middle schools from three to two and westside elementary schools from seven to five.

Recognizing the importance of this investment, Davis remarked, "We look forward to working closely with our community as we transform these plans into reality, creating learning environments that will serve Oshkosh students for generations to come."

Plans will now move into the design and construction stages, with ongoing updates to be provided, including at monthly school board meetings.

Detailed information on the referendum can be found at oshkosh.k12.wi.us/referendum-2025. The School District Board of Canvassers is scheduled to review and certify the final election results on Monday, April 7, at 9:30 AM.