Menasha Joint School District

Menasha Joint School District residents will have the opportunity to vote on a facilities referendum question presented on the November 8, 2022 fall general election ballot. The proposed plan, which will not increase the current mill rate, calls for replacing the overcrowded and outdated Maplewood Middle School with a new, larger building designed to operate as two schools: an Intermediate School for grades 5-6 and a Middle School for grades 7-8, on the existing site.

Why Now?
The proposed referendum solution will:

Improve academic opportunities and student outcomes for all students in grades 5-8.
Create flexible, modern learning environments that support today’s teaching and learning.
Implement Phase Two of our multi-phased long-range facilities plan focused on the middle school level.*

*We anticipate Phase Three to address facility needs at our elementary schools will be implemented within the next five to ten years.

The Cost: No Mill Rate Increase to Taxpayers

The District can continue to address facility needs without increasing the mill rate above the current level due to the District’s accelerated repayment of debt from the Phase One project (Menasha High School renovation). This strategic approach allows the District’s mill rate to stay consistent for taxpayers while addressing facility needs, one phase at a time.

The Plan: Replace Maplewood School on Existing Site

Constructing one new building to operate as two schools (Intermediate School for grades 5-6 and Middle School for grades 7-8) for approximately 1,000 students located directly behind the existing Maplewood School.

After the new school is complete (projected for August 2025 if approved in November 2022), the existing school would be demolished and the site transitioned for additional parking and athletic practice fields.
The total not-to-exceed project cost of $99.7 million includes all new construction, demolition, site work, a geothermal heating and cooling system, furniture, fixtures, equipment, professional services, required permitting fees, and contingency. All can be accomplished with no increase in the mill rate.

Learn More: Attend Referendum Open House

Referendum Open House Events

Tuesday, October 4 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm at the Maplewood Community Room
Wednesday, October 26 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm at the Maplewood Community Room

Attend Maplewood School Tours:

Tuesday, September 27 | 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Tuesday, October 4 | 11:00 AM -12:30 PM
Tuesday, October 11 | 1:00 PM- 2:30 PM

Tours begin in the main office

Preliminary Project Schedule

If the referendum is approved by voters, the District will immediately move into design with their architectural and construction partners. Design will include feedback from staff and administration and will take approximately a year. The project will be competitively bid and construction is anticipated to begin in February 2024 and be complete for the 2025-26 school year.

Referendum 2022

The Cost: No Mill Rate Increase to Taxpayers

The Plan: Replace Maplewood School on Existing Site

Learn More: Attend Referendum Open House

Preliminary Project Schedule