Posted on Feb 26, 2019
From left: Roger Dixon, Club president Art Angove, David Cotey
 
School referendum important for New Berlin schools
 
New Berlin schools enjoy a strong tradition of providing quality education. They regularly meet or exceed state standards, and are recognized by respectable national publications. New Berlin students consistently win awards for athletic and academic achievements. The district even boasts three award winners among its staff.
 
At the same time, the school district faces a growing fiscal crisis. On April 2, voters will have a chance to weigh in on a referendum that would put the district in a much better financial situation, thus staving off drastic changes.
 
That was the word from David Cotey, district coordinator of communications. He and Roger Dixon, CFO/COO, discussed this matter and the referendum during our Feb. 26 meeting.

According to Cotey, several factors have contributed to the current fiscal crisis. The district borrowed heavily to build Ronald Reagan Elementary and to make some improvements at West Middle/High School.
 
Additional resources were invested in Eisenhower Middle/High School for a variety of necessary improvements. In addition, state aid has declined along with enrollment, though Cotey says they expect to see an uptick in enrollment in the near future.
 
Salary reductions and cuts in health care costs have helped, Cotey says, "but these steps are not sustainable."
 
The referendum as for operating revenue of $5 million per year for each of the next five years. There money would be put toward a variety of needs, including:
- Pay down the $16.5 million in debt that has accumulated in recent years.
- Pay competitive wages. "We want the highest quality of staff in front of our students," Cotey says.
- Be proactive on maintenance, such as on roofs, pavements, and such.
 
School consolidations are among the decisions facing the district if the referendum does not pass. According to Cotey, West would become the city's only high school. Eisenhower would be converted to a middle school. Orchard Lane Elementary would close, and its students would transfer to Elmwood, Poplar Creek or Ronald Reagan depending on where they live.
 
For more information, the school district offers a web page on the topic. Residents are also welcome to visit the school district's booth at the Discover New Berlin Community Fair this Saturday at New Berlin West. District staff will hold an informational session at the library from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19. Citizens are also welcome to call the school district at 789-6200.