Update January 2025
From Concept to Concrete
In November 2024, voters approved a $51.23 million capital referendum. District officials and Hoffman Planning and Design immediately began the processes necessary to accomplish the referendum projects.
In partnership with Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc., the Shawano School District is advancing through the design phase for Shawano Community High School. Schematic Design is set to conclude in January, 2025 transitioning into Design Development (DD), which will continue until late March. Following DD approval, the process will move into the Construction Documents phase, likely from late March to late June.
Scope of Referendum Work
The complete full plan calls for updating lighting, repairing damaged outdoor surfaces, replacing major infrastructure systems like boilers and electrical panels, and addressing accessibility issues. The District administration offices will move to Olga Brener Intermediate School where classrooms will be remodeled to accommodate the move.
At the high school, there will be more space for the technical education and performing arts programs. The weight room will be remodeled and the family and consumer science program will be relocated. A new track and event space will be built, along with a 2,000-seat grandstand with storage and a press box.
See Referendum 2024 for complete list of projects approved by the November 2024 referendum.
Time Schedule for Referendum Projects
The tentative construction schedule is as follows:
Summer 2025: Maintenance upgrades at Hillcrest Primary, Olga Brener Intermediate, and Shawano Community High School, with completion expected by fall 2025.
Fall 2025: Construction of new additions at the high school, including the music/band room, metals/tech ed space, and food consumer science lab, targeted for completion by late summer 2026.
Fall 2025: Sitework for new circulation drives, set for completion by late summer 2026.
Summer 2026: Renovations of the high school auditorium and weight room, alongside outdoor athletic upgrades, with an expected completion by late summer 2026.
Long range planning
The roof at Shawano Middle School will be replaced however the priority for the building is protecting the building until a long-range plan for that facility can be developed. The Board has committed to developing a long-range plan for the school to be implemented in 2031.
In addition to the referendum projects, the District continues to fund capital projects not included in the referendum but identified in the District’s 10-year facility plan. The District uses money from its Fund 46. Under state law, Districts can create a Fund 46 in their budget where money can be set aside for projects identified in a long-range facility plan.
Local Involvement
The school district, with Hoffman, remains committed to maximizing local involvement in the construction process. Contractors interested in participating are encouraged to contact Senior Project Manager Sean Duncanson at 920.585.8160 for more information on bidding opportunities.
Sponsorship and Donor Support
The Shawano School District is initiating a campaign to seek support for upcoming projects which have high visibility in our community. This opportunity to show support for our schools and students comes with special recognition.
Goal: The goal of this campaign is paying the cost of upgrading from grass to synthetic turf on the new football/soccer field and paying the cost of adding an orchestra pit in the existing high school auditorium. These are currently budgeted as part of the November 2024 referendum. A successful campaign will lower the amount borrowed for the referendum.
Sponsorship and Donor Support Opportunities and Current Sponsors/Donors List