Viroqua schools’ $36.8 million referendum on ballot seeks additional classrooms, other upgrades

It’s been a long process to create a plan for dealing with how the Viroqua Area School District is growing.

The district has settled on a $36.8 million referendum to expand areas of both the elementary and middle/high schools, along with security upgrades.

District administrator Kehl Arnson said the many meetings with community members were tough.

“Nobody has the same idea,” he said. “Some people want to see the classrooms. Some people want to see the secure entrance. What’s the most important thing?”

Arnson said about the $16.5 million worth of projects would take place at the elementary school, mentioning they need six new classrooms there.

“Space has been the main issue that came up through all of our assessments,” Arnson said. “We teach a lot differently than we did 20 years ago.”

He also mentioned a new gym space, remodeling the cafeteria and security upgrades at the schools.

“We don’t have very secure entrances,” he said, adding that people don’t have to buzz to get into building.

Arnson also said that if the referendum fails, they’ll be right back to the voters soon after.

Taxes on a $100,000 home will go up $315 dollars per year if the referendum passes on Tuesday’s ballot.

Learn more about the plan here.