Muskego School Facilities Plan Held Up for More Details

The Muskego-Norway School Board was to review and discuss a plan from Gary Rosploch, buildings and grounds supervisor, but treasurer Dean Strom requested for it to be deferred as the facilities committee was requesting further information.

Provided in the agenda packets for Monday night's meeting however was the plan by Rosploch to prioritize renovations and improvements to the schools. A second failed referendum for a district-wide improvement and building plan has required that these tasks fall into certain 'buckets' according to Rosploch's plan

The list of facility needs and deferred maintenance at the elementary schools totals about $8.6 million according to a report provided in August 2011. With an annual budget of $400,000 budget for maintenance, the concern rests in funding sources, which Rosploch and Scot Ecker, Director of Business Services, said could include the fund balance, operating budget, capital leases or projects that could net the district a return on investment, like recapturing utility costs through 'green' materials and systems.

A tiered system to determine need was developed with structural needs being the highest priority. That 'bucket' according to a memo given to the board, would likely cost about $1.6 million, including roofing repairs at all but Lake Denoon Middle School, exterior work at Muskego Elementary and Tess Corners, and flooring at Tess Corners. Lake Denoon and Muskego High School were also targeted in that first group for essential pavement.

A second bucket of $2.05 million in repairs would continue roofing repairs at Mill Valley and the high school, as well as address roofing at the Educational Services Center, exterior work and flooring at Muskego Elementary, flooring at Country Meadows/Bay Lane, and begin to tackle 'tier 2' tasks like furnace replacement and HVAC upgrades at Muskego Elementary and Bay Lane/Country Meadows.

The memo did not make any recommendations, and how soon the tasks will be completed will likely be a discussion item at the board's next meeting in February.