Baraboo's elementary schools are in urgent need of significant upgrades to key building systems. Collectively, these schools require $27.7 million to address critical repairs and replacements, including boilers, roofing, electrical systems, plumbing, windows, and more. We have elementary buildings that were built in the 1950s and are still operating with their original boiler units, which are not only outdated but also challenging to maintain. Finding replacement parts for boilers from the 1950s and 1960s is increasingly difficult, and they are far less efficient than modern systems. Many of the essential components, such as boilers, windows, roofs, and plumbing and electrical systems, have surpassed their useful lifespan and are in need of replacement.

The School District of Baraboo emphasizes key aspects in its elementary curriculum, including collaboration, problem-solving, small-group instruction, creativity, student agency/ownership, and inclusion. To align with these educational goals, modern schools are designed with flexible spaces, adaptable furniture, and advanced technology, which our current elementary facilities are significantly lacking. These elements contribute to creating environments where students can engage in collaborative projects, develop problem-solving skills, participate in small-group learning activities, foster creativity, take ownership of their learning, and ensure inclusivity for all students. By investing in modern facilities, the District can better support its educational mission and prepare students for success in a dynamic and interconnected world.

Both ABE and East have a shared gymnasium and cafeteria space, which creates scheduling challenges. Since the gym also functions as a cafeteria, it limits its availability for physical education classes, which can only be held at the beginning and end of the day.

We need more space to accommodate our popular new full-day four-year-old kindergarten program, which is bringing more students to our schools.  Our new full-day four-year-old kindergarten program provides important early learning opportunities to our students while helping working families. However, we need space to accommodate additional four-year-old kindergarten students.

This addition addresses the disproportionate declining enrollment at the 4K level and aligns with the preferences of working parents who find full-day services offered by providers appealing. Anticipating an increase in enrollment, the District commissioned two independent enrollment studies, with the MD Roffers study estimating a rise of 135 elementary students through 2035. As elementary school enrollment is projected to be at or over capacity district-wide, the closure of West Kindergarten Center is expected to exacerbate the situation, prompting the need for further expansion of 4K to accommodate the growing elementary enrollment.

MD Roffers Presentation: Community Change and Student Enrollment Projections CLICK HERE

Improving safety and security at our elementary sites is a top priority, particularly when it comes to traffic flow and building accessibility. Enhancing vehicle circulation can help reduce congestion during drop-off and pick-up times, minimizing the risk of accidents and creating a safer environment for students, staff, and families. In addition, adding more clearly designated emergency exits will ensure that in the event of an emergency, students and staff can evacuate quickly and efficiently. By segmenting the buildings into zones with more lock-down points, the District can also improve its ability to respond swiftly to potential threats, providing an added layer of protection during a security breach. These combined measures would create a more secure and organized environment that prioritizes the well-being of everyone on campus.