Referendum plans for school projects in Tomah put on hold

TOMAH, Wis. — School officials in Tomah want to replace some facilities which have been used for decades, but a recent survey suggests the proposed buildings would be too expensive for voters to accept.

The survey was conducted by a research firm last fall, and drew 1,700 responses. As a result, the Tomah School District reportedly is putting plans for a building referendum on hold.

The district is looking into building a new middle school, a new high school and athletic fields.

The cheapest of the options — for a middle school — would still cost $80 million. The current Tomah High School is 55 years old, and replaced the building, which is now the middle school, while the current football field at the high school was built in the 1980s.

The district mailed residents a survey prepared by research firm School Perceptions last fall asking for opinions on three different plans.

A new high school could cost $89 million, with the price tag rising to $96 million if new athletic facilities are included.

School Board member Pam Buchda said the survey doesn’t change the reality of aging facilities.