School District of Horicon Community Survey Results Fall 2017
Survey Summary The survey was conducted in November December of 2017. Residents within the District were mailed a paper survey. Each survey included a unique survey access code for those who preferred to take the survey online. Total responses = 607 (202 paper) Participation rate = 19% Margin of error = +/- 4%
Respondent Information
What is your age? 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 15% 25% 21% 17% 20% 10% 0% 2% 18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-64 65 and older
In which municipality do you reside? 60% 58% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 10% 10% 8% 8% 5% 1% 0%
Is your primary residence in the Horicon School District? 11% 1% 88% Yes No Not sure
Are you an employee of the Horicon School District? 17% 83% Yes (n=105) No (n=502)
Do you have children attending our schools? 37% 63% Yes (n=225) No (n=382)
How would you like to receive information regarding the Horicon School District? Email School mailings School newsletters Facebook/social media Text message PowerSchool Family Access District/school website Dodge County Pionier Attend meetings Beaver Dam Daily Citizen School Board meetings Other 3% 0% 5% 10% 4% 5% 2% 1% 6% 12% 12% 15% 21% 20% 27% 27% 25% 30% 31% 39% 36% 54% 51% 86% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Non-Parents (Non-Staff) Parents (Non-Staff)
Financial Background
In 2018, the District will pay off a large portion of the debt that funded past building projects and as a result, the debt portion of the school tax levy will drop. Using a homeowner s analogy, we are about to pay off our home mortgage. This reduction of loan payments will reduce the tax impact of any new referendum-approved spending. The School Board believes this a good time to consider investing in our schools because of our healthy financial situation and historically low interest rates. The District cannot afford to pay for major building projects out of the annual operating budget. If the public chooses to address these needs, the primary way to obtain funding is through a referendum.
What advice would you give the School Board? (Residents Only) 100% 91% 80% 75% 80% 68% 60% 40% 20% 0% Pursue a referendum to update our schools 10% 0% 5% Do nothing at this time 16% 15% 15% 16% 9% Not sure/need more information All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff)
Replace or Remodel Van Brunt Elementary
A Comprehensive Facility Review of Van Brunt Elementary was completed by Bray Architects. The Review identified a list of safety and security, infrastructure and building system needs, as well as educational and site deficiencies. To read the entire Review, visit the District s website: www.horicon.k12.wi.us. Key findings of the report include: Classroom floors, lighting, ceilings and casework are in need of replacement. Major building systems, including the plumbing, heating/ventilation and electrical, are past their service life and need to be replaced. Air supply to most rooms does not meet current code, and sections of the building are poorly insulated. The school requires significant updates to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) code compliance. Because of the large number of load-bearing walls, remodeling options are significantly limited. In addition to the infrastructure needs outlined above, the building is larger than what is needed to serve the current and projected student enrollment. The school is more expensive to heat and operate due to its age. Educationally, the school lacks flexible learning and collaboration spaces. The District shares staff between schools. This requires staff to travel back and forth between the schools, sometimes multiple times in one day, which reduces the amount of time spent working with students.
Do you support the District exploring options to update or replace Van Brunt Elementary School? (Residents Only) 100% 94% 84% 77% 80% 68% 60% 40% 20% 13% 20% 10% 4% 5% 2% 11% 12% 0% Yes No Not sure/need more information All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff)
Replace Van Brunt Elementary
Option I: Rebuild at the current site at an estimated cost of $19.7 million; this would: 1. Renovate 1954 and 1992 sections of the building with: a. Classrooms for early childhood and kindergarten b. Classrooms for music and band c. Gymnasium d. Upgrades to the plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems 2. Build a two-story addition with: a. Classrooms to serve 1st 5th grades b. Flexible spaces for student collaboration and project-based learning c. Cafeteria and kitchen 3. Secure all building entrances 4. Remove the 3-story 1921/1966 building sections (------) and redesign pick-up/drop-off areas and parking 5. Improve the playground Includes a small addition at the junior/senior high school for 6th grade students
Option II: Build a school at the junior/senior high school at an estimated cost of $20.8 million; this would: 1. Build a two-story addition with: a. Classrooms for early childhood - 5th grades b. Flexible spaces for student collaboration and project-based learning c. An elementary library d. Cafeteria and kitchen (the kitchen would prepare food for all students) e. Secured entrance with office f. Dedicated elementary gym 2. Small addition for 6th grade 3. Renovate a space for District offices 4. Improve the site, including a dedicated: a. Parent drop-off/pick-up area b. Bus drop-off/pick-up area c. Elementary playground
Please select ALL option(s) that you would support. (Residents Only) 100% 83% 80% 60% 60% 65% 52% 40% 20% 28% 30% 25% 22% 15% 17% 15% 16% 11% 2% 8% 24% 0% Option II: Build at the junior/senior high school campus Option I: Rebuild at the current site I'm not sure/need more information I do not support either Option I or Option II All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff)
Remodel Van Brunt Elementary
What priority would you place on updating the building s infrastructure at an estimated cost of up to $8.6 million? (Residents Only) 100% 80% 85% 75% 60% 58% 40% 20% 0% 42% 26% 20% 22% 15% 11% 12% 8% 7% 2% 2% 5% High Medium Low Not sure All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff) 10%
What priority would you place on updating the 100% classrooms at an estimated cost of up to $3.2 million? (Residents Only) 80% 67% 60% 40% 20% 37% 37% 33% 32% 25% 27% 29% 27% 37% 19% 8% 4% 2% 7% 9% 0% High Medium Low Not sure All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff)
What priority would you place on addressing 100% security/ada compliance issues at an estimated cost of up to $1.6 million? (Residents Only) 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 69% 61% 52% 42% 27% 23% 24% 24% 20% 17% 12% 12% 5% 2% 3% High Medium Low Not sure All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff) 7%
What priority would you place on updating the kitchen and cafeteria at an estimated cost of 100% up to $1 million? (Residents Only) 80% 60% 56% 40% 28% 31% 22% 37% 32% 34% 31% 28% 42% 27% 20% 11% 6% 2% 5% 8% 0% High Medium Low Not sure All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff)
What priority would you place on High (3), Medium (2), Low (1) Item All Residents Staff Residents Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Non-Parent Residents (Non-Staff) updating the building s infrastructure at an estimated cost of up to $8.6 million? 2.45 2.84 2.69 2.21 addressing security/ada compliance issues at an estimated cost of up to $1.6 million? 2.33 2.58 2.50 2.16 updating the classrooms at an estimated cost of up to $3.2 million? 2.06 2.64 2.18 1.87 updating the kitchen and cafeteria at an estimated cost of up to $1 million? 1.94 2.45 2.03 1.77
Update Horicon Junior/Senior High School
What priority would you place on updating the building s infrastructure at an estimated cost 100% of up to $8.4 million? (Residents Only) 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 81% 64% 55% 44% 23% 23% 25% 22% 13% 15% 9% 7% 4% 2% 4% High Medium Low Not sure All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff) 9%
What priority would you place on updating 100% classrooms, labs and equipment at an estimated cost of up to $4.9 million? (Residents Only) 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 67% 63% 50% 38% 31% 28% 27% 24% 24% 17% 10% 4% 5% 2% 3% High Medium Low Not sure All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff) 7%
What priority would you place on updating the kitchen and cafeteria at an estimated cost of 100% up to $1.4 million? (Residents Only) 80% 60% 54% 40% 20% 0% 29% 41% 39% 34% 31% 32% 32% 28% 23% 24% 18% 5% 4% 0% High Medium Low Not sure 6% All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff)
What priority would you place on updating the 100% indoor physical education areas at an estimated cost of up to $1.3 million? (Residents Only) 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 63% 45% 41% 35% 29% 31% 27% 28% 30% 22% 24% 8% 5% 2% 3% High Medium Low Not sure All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff) 7%
What priority would you place on improving building security at an estimated cost of up to 100% $1.1 million? (Residents Only) 80% 60% 72% 65% 57% 49% 40% 20% 0% 21% 20% 20% 22% 23% 17% 11% 8% 5% 4% 0% High Medium Low Not sure All Residents Staff Parents (Non-Staff) Non-Parents (Non-Staff) 6%
What priority would you place on High (3), Medium (2), Low (1) Item All Residents Staff Residents Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Non-Parent Residents (Non-Staff) improving building security at an estimated cost of up to $1.1 million? updating the building s infrastructure at an estimated cost of up to $8.4 million? updating classrooms, labs and equipment at an estimated cost of up to $4.9 million? updating the kitchen and cafeteria at an estimated cost of up to $1.4 million? updating the indoor physical education areas at an estimated cost of up to $1.3 million? 2.41 2.64 2.57 2.27 2.42 2.82 2.56 2.24 2.34 2.64 2.54 2.15 1.97 2.35 2.07 1.83 2.03 2.56 2.22 1.80
Funding Support
The cost to address all the needs identified in the survey could exceed $40 million. We realize doing this all at one time is not feasible. Therefore, our goal is to develop a plan to upgrade our schools in phases, based on the community s priorities AND willingness to financially support the projects. The following table shows the tax impact for various referendum amounts. * The projected reduction in tax rates, described in this survey, is reflected in the calculations above.
How much of a tax increase would you support through a referendum, assuming the projects included were acceptable to you? 50% $32 million Non-Parent Residents (Non-Staff) 19% 6% 14% 8% 19% 10% 8% 16% $29 million $26 million Parent Residents (Non- Staff) 43% 7% 16% 8% 3% 7% 9% 7% $23 million $20 million Staff Residents 44% 8% 19% 15% 12% 2% I would only support a smaller referendum All Residents 29% 7% 15% 9% 13% 7% 9% 11% I'm not sure/need more information I would not support any referendum 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Additional Projects at the Horicon Junior/Senior High School
Would you support an additional $3.8 million for building an outdoor athletic field? Representing an additional estimated annual tax increase of approximately $51.00 ($4.25 per month)** for each $100,000 of property value. ** The projected tax reduction is being applied to school projects. Therefore, these additional projects would require additional debt and represent a higher tax impact. All Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 21% 36% 57% Yes Undecided 16% Probably no Definitely no 12% 15% 27% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support an additional $3.8 million for building an outdoor athletic field? Representing an additional estimated annual tax increase of approximately $51.00 ($4.25 per month)** for each $100,000 of property value. ** The projected tax reduction is being applied to school projects. Therefore, these additional projects would require additional debt and represent a higher tax impact. Staff Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 27% 60% 87% Yes Undecided 11% Probably no Definitely no 0% 2% 2% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support an additional $3.8 million for building an outdoor athletic field? Representing an additional estimated annual tax increase of approximately $51.00 ($4.25 per month)** for each $100,000 of property value. ** The projected tax reduction is being applied to school projects. Therefore, these additional projects would require additional debt and represent a higher tax impact. Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes Probably yes 22% 52% 74% Yes Undecided 14% Probably no Definitely no 6% 6% 12% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support an additional $3.8 million for building an outdoor athletic field? Representing an additional estimated annual tax increase of approximately $51.00 ($4.25 per month)** for each $100,000 of property value. ** The projected tax reduction is being applied to school projects. Therefore, these additional projects would require additional debt and represent a higher tax impact. Non-Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes Probably yes 21% 20% 41% Yes Undecided 17% Probably no Definitely no 19% 23% 42% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support an additional $9 million for building an auditorium? Representing an additional estimated annual tax increase of approximately $122 ($10.17 per month)** for each $100,000 of property value. ** The projected tax reduction is being applied to school projects. Therefore, these additional projects would require additional debt and represent a higher tax impact. All Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 17% 22% 39% Yes Undecided 23% Probably no Definitely no 20% 18% 38% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support an additional $9 million for building an auditorium? Representing an additional estimated annual tax increase of approximately $122 ($10.17 per month)** for each $100,000 of property value. ** The projected tax reduction is being applied to school projects. Therefore, these additional projects would require additional debt and represent a higher tax impact. Staff Residents Definitely yes Probably yes 27% 54% 81% Yes Undecided 13% Probably no Definitely no 4% 2% 6% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support an additional $9 million for building an auditorium? Representing an additional estimated annual tax increase of approximately $122 ($10.17 per month)** for each $100,000 of property value. ** The projected tax reduction is being applied to school projects. Therefore, these additional projects would require additional debt and represent a higher tax impact. Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes Probably yes 22% 33% 55% Yes Undecided 21% Probably no Definitely no 9% 15% 24% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Would you support an additional $9 million for building an auditorium? Representing an additional estimated annual tax increase of approximately $122 ($10.17 per month)** for each $100,000 of property value. ** The projected tax reduction is being applied to school projects. Therefore, these additional projects would require additional debt and represent a higher tax impact. Non-Parent Residents (Non-Staff) Definitely yes Probably yes 10% 11% 21% Yes Undecided 26% Probably no Definitely no 26% 27% 53% No 0% 15% 30% 45% 60% 75%
Thank you!