Making an Informed Decision: April 1 School Referendum Approaches

We’re just weeks away from a significant moment for our schools—the upcoming vote on the Oshkosh Area School District’s (OASD) $197.8 million facilities referendum. This plan is about more than just buildings—it’s about creating better learning environments and opportunities for our students, improving safety and Americans with Disabilities (ADA) access limitations, and saving money through operational efficiencies, all while maintaining a $0 tax increase to the debt levy. This referendum represents the next step in our community-developed facilities consolidation plan, which began in 2017 and has already delivered significant improvements through Phase 1.

As members of our school community, we know you may have questions or hear questions from others about what this means for our schools. We want to ensure you have the facts and an understanding of the plan before you cast your vote on April 1!

What Will Your Vote Decide?

If the Referendum is Approved:

• A new consolidated middle school will be built at the Shapiro site (close South Park and Perry Tipler, reducing from three to two westside middle schools)

• Carl Traeger, Franklin, and Oakwood Elementary schools will be expanded and renovated (close Roosevelt and Shapiro, reducing from seven to five westside elementary schools)

• Perry Tipler Middle School will be converted into a pre-kindergarten center and recreation department

• A new auditorium will be added to Oshkosh North High School

• Air conditioning will be installed at Emmeline Cook, Lakeside, and Read Elementary schools

• The district will close and seek to sell South Park Middle School, Roosevelt Elementary School, and the downtown recreation center

• Non-district pre-kindergarten leases will be eliminated (approximately $550,000 annual savings)

• WATCH! Here is a 3-minute video explaining the scope of our April 1 Facilities Referendum.

If the Referendum is Not Approved:

First and foremost, the OASD will seek community feedback to understand why it did not pass. After review, a process will be developed to adjust accordingly - with the next opportunity to go to referendum being April 2026. Additionally:

• South Park students will remain in a 120-year-old building located within a restricted flight zone

• Virtual learning would be required during emergency repairs at South Park due to insufficient space at other schools

• Shapiro STEM Academy will still close after the 2025-2026 school year due to low enrollment (Note: Shapiro will close regardless of the referendum outcome)

• Planned facilities improvements will not be made

• Annual operational savings from consolidation will not be realized

• Construction costs are projected to increase by 5% annually, potentially raising the project cost from $198M now to $242M by 2029

Voting Information

• Election Day: Monday, April 1, 2025

• Voter Registration: Visit Myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Voter-Registration

• Early Voting Options:

  • Absentee ballots can be requested through Friday, March 28 by 5:00 PM

  • Municipalities will begin mailing absentee ballots no later than March 11

  • In-person early voting begins March 18 at your local municipal clerk's office (check directly for office hours)

Learn More

For more detailed information about the referendum, including FAQs, videos, floor plans and project details, visit the district's dedicated webpage: oshkosh.k12.wi.us/referendum-2025. You can also contact the district directly with questions at 920.424.0395 or referendum@oshkosh.k12.wi.us.

Join us! Learn About the OASD’s April 1 Referendum

OASD is inviting families and community members to learn more about the upcoming $197.8 million capital referendum, designed to improve student safety and learning spaces while maintaining a $0 tax increase to the debt levy.

To ensure the community is well-informed, the OASD has scheduled a series of information sessions and Q&A opportunities. These events will give you a chance to ask questions and understand the full scope of the referendum projects. The district’s goal is to provide the community with the necessary facts to make an informed decision on April 1.

Information Sessions

Each session will include a presentation followed by a Q&A.

• Thursday, March 13 | 6:30 PM | South Park Middle School - Gym (1551 Delaware St)

• Tuesday, March 18 | 6:30 PM | Franklin Elementary School - Cafeteria (1401 W 5th Ave)

• Wednesday, March 26 | 10:30 AM | Oshkosh Public Library - Lower Level A/B Room (106 Washington Ave)

Q&A Sessions

These informal sessions allow residents to drop in and get questions answered by Superintendent Dr. Bryan Davis and district leaders.

• Wednesday, March 12 | 7:30-8:30 AM | Elsewhere Market (531 N Main St)

• Monday, March 24 | 7:30-8:30 AM | Delta Family Restaurant (515 N Sawyer St)

Additional Opportunities

District leaders are also available to present at community meetings and group events. To schedule a presentation, please email referendum@oshkosh.k12.wi.us

For more details about the referendum, including frequently asked questions, session schedules, and project plans, visit the district’s dedicated referendum webpage: oshkosh.k12.wi.us/referendum-2025. Community members can also call the district at 920.424.0395 or email referendum@oshkosh.k12.wi.us with any questions.

“We believe it’s crucial for every community member to have access to accurate and timely information about the future of our schools,” said Dr. Bryan Davis, OASD Superintendent. “These sessions provide a valuable opportunity for residents to hear directly from district leaders and get answers to their questions about the referendum.”

The district has been working closely with the community throughout its facilities planning process to ensure the referendum projects address the needs of students while maintaining fiscal responsibility. All residents are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming sessions and visit the website for more information.

Student Handbook

South Park Middle School Facebook Page

Questions, Suggestions, Concerns

At South Park Middle School we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our students. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy about, please give your child's teacher a call first. If you are unable to resolve the issue call Mr. Joe Pitsch at 424-1228 ext. 2703 so that we can work together to address your need. If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with me, you may call Jackie Kiffmeyer, Director of Secondary Schools, at 424-0100. She will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Notice of Surveillance

South Park Middle School is using video surveillance/electronic monitoring to observe, monitor, and/or record the behavior and activity of all personal on school property or grounds, or participating in school functions

American Disabilities Accommodations

Upon request, reasonable auxiliary aids and services will be provided to individuals with disabilities. If assistance is required, please provide advance notice by calling the school office at 920.424.0431. 

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Oshkosh Area School District, including all school buildings/sites/programs, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, orientation, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Therefore, no student shall be excluded from participation in any curricular, extracurricular, student services, recreational or other program or activity. When separation by sex in education activities is appropriate for health and/or safety reasons, equal educational opportunities shall be provided for both sexes.