Voters approve pair of Waunakee school referendum questions

WAUNAKEE, Wis. — Voters in the Waunakee Community School District have given their approval to two separate referendum questions: a $175 million capital referendum to build two new schools and a $10 million operating referendum aimed at recruitment and retention.

With 100% of precincts reporting at 10:30 p.m., the capital referendum passed by a 52%-48% margin. The $175 million proposal will allow the district to build a new Heritage Elementary School next to Waunakee Intermediate School and then build a new middle school at the site of the existing Heritage Elementary School. The new elementary school is scheduled to open in the fall of 2024, with the new middle school opening two years later.

RELATED: Waunakee residents to vote on $175 million investment for new schools

Superintendent Randy Guttenberg previously told News 3 Now the referendum was needed to keep up with growing enrollment in the district.

Voters also approved the operating referendum to address recruitment and staff retention and to maintain some math and reading programs. As of 10:30 p.m. and with 100% of precincts reporting, voters approved that referendum question 60%-40%.

Eight other school districts in Dane County also have referenda on the ballot; for the latest election results, click or tap here.

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