October 22, 2024 – West Bend, WI – I am writing in regard to the West Bend School district’s referenda for $165,000,000. My name is Dan Krier, and I have been a resident of West Bend most of my life and attended school here. My children attended public schools here as well. Over the years I have been very involved in the community including being on the Citizens Facility Advisory Committee in 2017 for the 2019 Referenda. Once again, in looking at the referenda I will be voting no and here is why.
What is concerning to me is that just as in 2017, no one discusses how this will improve the slipping scores of our students. While buildings are certainly needed to house students and keep them safe and secure, they don’t directly affect the level of education. How about focus on that first and foremost.
As far as buildings, some of the most successful schools in the country are strong old buildings that have been updated, not replaced. In 2017 the security of the entrances was a dire concern. Unfortunately, while our district spent money to conform HS space to their liking, they did not sufficiently address those more alarming concerns and here we are again asking for money to do just that.
Therefore, how can we expect fiscal responsibility in regard to these referenda when there are so many concerns within. If we spend $165,000,000 and retire the use of 5 buildings, there is no guarantee the money gained with the leasing or sale of those buildings will be used to pay down the debt…