The April 7 referendum will address prioritized capital maintenance needs and improve school security while preserving the integrity of our buildings.  This can be accomplished without increasing the tax burden to taxpayers.

Beginning in 2026, the School District of Maple will make the last payment on the borrowing for its 2006 referendum this year, creating an opportunity to invest in school buildings and still reduce the tax rate by approximately $1.00 per $1,000 of fair market value. 

Despite careful financial planning, rising costs for benefits, insurance, utilities, and transportation have limited the District’s ability to fund deferred capital maintenance projects.  

This facilities referendum solution addresses prioritized capital
maintenance projects that are too expensive to be included in the annual operating budget. 
 
A long-range facilities assessment was conducted in 2025, outlining the District’s needs by building. Some of these facility needs have been scheduled for completion in the 10-year facilities improvement plan using operational money, while others are too large and need additional funding sources. On January 12, 2026, the School Board unanimously approved a facilities referendum question, not to exceed $14.5 million for the April 7, 2026 ballot.

What’s on the ballot?

On April 7, 2026, residents of the School District of Maple will have the opportunity to vote on a facilities referendum which will address prioritized capital maintenance needs at all school buildings.

Shall the School District of Maple, Douglas and Bayfield Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $14,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project consisting of: district-wide capital maintenance, building infrastructure, systems and site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment?

How will my taxes change?

No increase in Tax Burden: The District will make the final payment on its 2006 referendum debt this year. That payment is approximately $3,600,000. District would like to use some of the reduction to reinvest in the critical needs and allow some of the reduction to be used to reduce the burden on taxpayers. The estimated annual payment to fund the proposed referendum $14,500,000 borrowing is approximately $2,400,000* per year: a decrease of approximately $1,200,000 annually beginning next year.  

*Assuming borrowing $14,500,000 for 10 years at 4.50%.

Source: Department of Public Instruction
*Represents an estimate of the projected annual mill rate decrease over the District’s current mill rate of $7.15 ; Changes in Equalized Property Value, State Aid, FTE (Full Time Equivalency), and other variables can result in property tax changes; Assumes 2026 borrowing of $14,500,000 amortized over 10-year term at estimated 4.5% interest rate.”

Referendum Open House Events

You are invited to join us and learn more about the upcoming facilities referendum. The content will be the same at all meetings, so come to the one most convenient.

The Needs & Solution

The facilities assessment identified over $40 million dollars of district-wide needs, the referendum solution includes prioritized capital maintenance needs that cannot be addressed within the annual operating budget.  On April 7, 2026, residents will have the opportunity to vote to allow the District to issue debt to address these facilities projects: 

• Northwestern High School
  • Replace floors in the career and tech ed (“shop”) area 
  • Replace air dryer system in wood and metal shop 
  • Repair the building exterior (brickwork/tuckpointing) 
  • Replace plumbing and HVAC systems, as needed (such as pumps, chillers, and water heaters) 
  • Entrance driveway and west parking lot repairs  
  • Resurface and repaint the track 
  • Update security systems and cameras  
• Northwestern Middle School
  • Repair/replace the parking lot, driveway, and sidewalks 
  • Improve drainage systems 
  • Replace classroom finishes (such as floors and cabinets) 
  • Update fire alarm systems 
  • Replace plumbing and HVAC systems, as needed (such as controls and water pumps) 
  • Update security systems and cameras 
• Northwestern Elementary School
  • Replace the roof 
  • Repair/replace the driveway, and sidewalks 
  • Update classroom finishes (such as carpeting, paint, and cabinets/casework)  
  • Replace floor tiles  
  • Upgrade classroom electrical systems to better support technology  
  • Replace the boiler and HVAC controls  
  • Playground restoration  
  • Update security systems and cameras 
• Iron River Elementary School
  • Replace the shingled section of gym roof 
  • Replace rotting windows, as needed 
  • Update security systems and cameras 
  • Bus Garage  
  • Repair exterior walls  
  • Replace HVAC controls and the water heater 

Have more Questions?

Please contact Interim Superintendent Cody Fechtelkotter

• 715-363-2434 x2259
• cfechtelkotter@nw-tigers.org