Southern Door Superintendent Chris Peterson is making it easy for you to get the information you need to make an informed decision regarding the school district’s two referendum questions this fall. The operational referendum would allow the district budget to exceed the revenue limit by $975,000 annually for three years. These funds would be used for non-recurring expenses such as student support services, updating curriculum materials, maintaining current programming and technology, and wages. The capital referendum would authorize general obligation bonds to be issued for $14.9 million. Under the plans currently posted on the district’s website, new construction would include an indoor practice facility, a relocated weight and fitness room, and a greenhouse. The current district office building would also be torn down to make way for additional parking in front of the school building. The district office would then be relocated to what is now the fitness center. While there has been little criticism about the project, Peterson says there have been plenty of questions about the referendum. The biggest one centers around how they can do what they want and not have it cost taxpayers any extra money if their property values stay the same.

Peterson says he is happy with their transparency throughout the process to ensure residents can ask questions and weigh in on the topic. That includes having the two referendum questions on the ballot for a hotly contested election when some districts may opt for other times of the year where a more favorable result is more likely.

Southern Door will host one final open house and information session on October 24th from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the high school library. Election Day is November 8th.