Pulaski voters have 2nd chance to approve funds for schools
By: Millaine Wells
Updated: March 20, 2013
PULASKI, Wis. (WFRV) - Wednesday night voters in the Pulaski School District had a chance to learn about an upcoming referendum.
After voters turned down a similar request for funding in November, school leaders tweaked the ballot and are hoping for a better outcome.
"We have water leaks at the middle school that damage ceiling tiles, furniture, floor" says Kevin Bahr, Director of Facilities for Pulaski School District.
That is just some of the maintenance Pulaski says is piling up.
With shrinking budget the district is turning to taxpayers. The April 2nd ballot will have four separate questions.
"They can vote on one question, they can defer from voting on the others. Vote on all 4, vote yes or vote no" Bahr explains.
The district cut $7.5 million from its original referendum to make a yes vote more appealing in a tight economy.
Question one deals with technology upgrades. Part two focuses on building safety and maintenance.
There are several examples of the district spending money to save in the long term. For example by replacing an old boiler, they expect to earn $22,000 a year back on the utility bill.
Question three deals with additions and remodeling projects at five schools.
Finally part four asks for a new community pool.
"During our summer school in June and July we will put 20,000 kids through the pool" says Cory Krizizke, Aquatics Director for the Pulaski School District.
On the outside this 35 year old facility doesn't look so bad but it is what is lurking beneath that has the district worried.
"All the piping underneath the pool you definitely have to worry about. We do not know what the condition is because there is no walkway underneath the pool" Krizizke explains.
The current pool would be filled in and the space remodeled as a multipurpose activity center.
If all four parts are approved taxes on a $150,000 home would go up about $127 a year.
"We are all community servants and we work here for students, we are not for profit or anything else we're for students" says Bahr.
If you have questions about the referendum you can e-mail referendum@pulaskischools.org.
To see a detailed description of each question on the referendum click here.
