PEWAUKEE — Voters in the School District of Pewaukee approved a referendum question at the polls on Tuesday, giving the school district the authorization to borrow up to $28.5 million in general obligation bonds for building improvements.
2,391 ballots were cast in support of the referendum, a total of 53.6% of the vote; 2,073 votes, or 46.4% of the total, said “no.”
According to information supplied by the district, the money will go toward roof replacements at Pewaukee Lake and Horizon elementary schools, new flooring at Horizon and air handling units at Pewaukee High School. Superintendent of the district Mike Cady previously told The Freeman that the district also is looking to creating solar arrays at Asa Clark Middle School.
However, the most spending will go towards renovations and additions to the art and career and technical education spaces at Pewaukee High School. The district would also need to replace fitness and locker room space that will be lost as part of the renovation.
“That’s the primary thrust of this,” Cady said. “That will also create a need to replace our fitness center and locker room space we’d lose as part of that renovation.”
The referendum adds $28 per $100,000 of assessed value annually to district taxpayers, meaning the owner of a $300,000 home would pay an additional $84 in taxes to the school district. Borrowing for the referendum would be paid off over the next 20 years, Cady previously told The Freeman. The current tax rate is at $6.85 per $1,000 of value, down from $11.84 per thousand in the 2014-15 school year, according to the district.
Work on the projects is planned to begin this summer but most of it would take place beginning next spring through the following spring, according to the district.
The results of this race are unofficial until canvassed.
| RESPONSE | VOTES | PERCENTAGE |
| Yes | 2,391 | 53.6% |
| No | 2,073 | 46.4% |
| Total | 4,464 |
6 of 6 precincts reporting (100%)
See all of our spring election results here.