At its December 17, 2024 meeting, the Silver Lake Jt 1 Board of Education approved placing a referendum question on the April 1, 2025 ballot to address critical Riverview Elementary School facility needs.
The proposed projects total $7 million, and include safety and security; critical maintenance and infrastructure, and classroom updates.
Referendum Question
"Shall the Joint School District Number 1, Village of Silver Lake, Town of Salem, Kenosha County, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $7,000,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a district-wide school facility improvement project at the Riverview School campus consisting of: renovations, including to the main entrance and classrooms; capital maintenance, building infrastructure, safety, security and site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment?"
Renovate the main entrance and office to better monitor and control visitor access and improve accessibility
Build a fence next to the railroad to separate students from trains
Replace outdated PA and telephone systems
Replace failing parts of the HVAC system
Replace roof sections as needed
Replace failing doors
Update lighting for energy efficiency
Repair cracking asphalt in the parking lot
Update technology infrastructure
Renovate outdated science labs to create more hands-on learning opportunities
Replace worn classroom furniture
Replace old playground equipment to make it accessible
The district will host community information meetings in February and March 2025 to provide an opportunity for voters to ask questions about this proposal. Those dates will be posted here when confirmed. We urge all residents to cast an informed vote!
Tax Impact
The cost of a referendum to the taxpayer is calculated using a tax mill rate. As the following chart shows, if approved by the voters, the mill rate impact of the referendum will be $0.55 per $1,000 of property fair market value. Various home values are shown to help residents estimate the possible impact on their home property taxes.
Assumes a single phase approach with a total amortization of 20 years using a planning interest rate of 5.25%.
Mill rate based on 2024 Equalized Valuation (TID-OUT) of $641,882,432 with annual growth of 2.00% thereafter.
Tertiary Aid Impact: -5.77% (2024-25 Oct. 15 certification)
*Impact represents the hypothetical change in EEE and Fund 39 debt service mill rate over the projected 2024-25 EEE debt service mill rate of $0.79.
Note: Planning estimates only. Significant changes in market conditions will require adjustments to current financing plan. Rates subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Silver Lake School District’s strategic planning process brought community volunteers together to focus on our core purpose and to chart a clear path for continuous improvement. The resulting strategic plan outlines key priorities, including Safety and Facility Upgrades, Student Culture and Academic Excellence, Staff Support and Retention, and Community Engagement.
Among these, Safety and Facility Upgrades, and Student Culture and Academic Excellence are critical areas that require immediate and sustained attention
This FAQ provides essential information about how the referendum will address critical facility needs that will contribute to the sustainable long-term success of the district.