Southern Wisconsin Times

The School District of Janesville (SDJ) is actively seeking input from the community regarding its facilities and operational plans. In an effort to gather feedback, the district has initiated a community-wide survey that will be distributed to all district households.

Superintendent Mark Holzman emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "Our Board and administration have thought long and hard about the facilities and operational needs facing the district. We must have community input which we will be gathering through this survey. Resident input will help guide our next steps."

The survey, which residents can expect to receive via mail in late April, must be completed by May 20, 2024. It includes a unique code for each household, which is required for submission. Additional surveys can be obtained by contacting the District office or submitting a request via email.

The SDJ operates 20 school facilities with an average age of 63 years, necessitating significant investment in maintenance and renovations. The district is considering renewing the 2020 operational referendum to secure funding for maintaining programs, services, and facilities without increasing the property tax rate.

With an estimated $578 million in basic capital maintenance needs, the district has identified high-priority projects, including special education renovations, safety and security enhancements, and other key initiatives. These projects, along with additional proposed investments, form the basis of the facilities Base Plan totaling $169.5 million.

Residents will also have the opportunity to provide feedback on supplementary facilities investments, such as renovating Career and Technical Education classrooms and elementary schools, as well as enhancing athletic facilities.

For those interested in learning more about the School District of Janesville's facilities or operational planning, further information can be found on the district's website.

As the SDJ moves forward with its plans for facility improvements and operational sustainability, community participation through the survey will play a crucial role in shaping the district's future endeavors.