January 15, 2026
For Immediate Release
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Contact: Michael Romero, Communications Specialist
mromero@barabooschools.net
(608) 355-3950 Ext. 1520
School District of Baraboo Board Approves Resolution for April 7 Facilities Referendum
On April 7, 2026, School District of Baraboo voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on a facilities referendum focused on improving learning environments across the District. If approved, the $74.0 million referendum would support a districtwide school facility improvement project, including additions, renovations, and capital maintenance improvements at Al Behrman, East, Gordon L. Willson, and North Freedom Elementary Schools, as well as agriculture programming improvements at the high school. The proposed plan aligns with the District’s Long Range Facilities Plan and focuses on addressing the most urgent facility needs across the District. As part of its community outreach efforts, the District will share information about the estimated tax impact of the referendum. “This proposal reflects what we heard from our community and what our schools need most,” said School Board President Tim Heilman. “It focuses on aging elementary facilities, safety, and learning spaces that better support students today while planning responsibly for the future.”
If approved, the referendum would fund the following key priorities:
Aging Building Systems: Upgrades to outdated heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems in elementary buildings that are more than 60 years old, improving reliability, comfort, and learning environments.
Site Circulation and Safety: Improvements to school traffic flow to reduce congestion, improve emergency access, and create safer, more predictable drop-off and pick-up locations.
Adequate Learning Spaces: Renovations and additions to support small-group instruction, student services, flexible classroom use, and separate gym and cafeteria spaces at Al Behrman and East Elementary Schools.
Agriculture Education: Construction of an addition and renovations at the high school to modernize agriculture classrooms and greenhouse facilities, including at least $1 million invested in hands-on, industry-relevant learning experiences.
If the referendum is approved, Al Behrman, East, Gordon L. Willson, and North Freedom Elementary Schools would serve students in 4K through 5th grade, with elementary attendance boundaries remaining unchanged.
The School District of Baraboo will host a series of community information nights, and community members are encouraged to attend. The District will also offer Coffee with Superintendent Considine on select dates, creating informal opportunities to ask questions and learn more about the referendum. Dates, times, and locations for all events will be announced soon. More information will be available on the School District of Baraboo’s referendum information website.
Community members who have questions or would like more information are encouraged to reach out to Superintendent Considine at sconsidine@barabooschools.net or 608-355-3950 Ext. 1010.