Local voters showed their support for the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) by approving the facilities referendum request that was on the April 1 ballot. Unofficial results indicate 13,958 Yes votes and 13,487 No votes. This community investment will enable the district to implement critical facility improvements and consolidations that will enhance student learning, safety, and operational efficiencies.

"We are incredibly grateful to our community for supporting and trusting in our vision for the future of Oshkosh schools," said OASD Superintendent Bryan Davis. "This investment will provide our students with safe and effective learning spaces while maintaining our commitment to fiscal responsibility." 

The approved referendum represents Phase 2 of the district's long-term facilities plan, developed through extensive community engagement since 2017. The funding will allow OASD to:

• Build a new consolidated middle school at the Shapiro site
• Expand and renovate Carl Traeger, Franklin, and Oakwood Elementary schools, including adding air conditioning at Franklin and Oakwood
• Convert Perry Tipler Middle School into a pre-kindergarten center and recreation department
• Build a new auditorium at Oshkosh North High School
• Add air conditioning at Emmeline Cook, Lakeside, and Read Elementary schools
• Close and seek to sell South Park Middle School, Roosevelt Elementary School, and the downtown recreation center

These strategic consolidations will reduce westside middle schools from three to two by closing South Park and Perry Tipler, and westside elementary schools from seven to five by closing Roosevelt and Shapiro.

"We recognize the significance of this investment," Davis added. “We look forward to working closely with our community as we transform these plans into reality, creating learning environments that will serve Oshkosh students for generations to come."

Next steps include finalizing project plans and beginning the design and construction phases. The district will provide regular updates on progress and timelines along the way, including a regular update during the first school board meeting of every month.

More information about the referendum request is available at oshkosh.k12.wi.us/referendum-2025. The School District Board of Canvassers will review and certify the final election results at its meeting on Monday, April 7 at 9:30 AM.