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2026 FACILITY REFERENDUM 

Welcome to the Sheboygan Falls School District's 2026 Facility Referendum webpage!

This page provides information about the proposed $65.7 million facility referendum, including the planning process, project details, financial information, and opportunities to stay informed leading up to the November 3, 2026 community vote

Learn More Below AND Mark Your Calendar to Attend an Information Session!

The District and School Board are hosting Referendum Information Session & School Tours, and we want YOU to be part of the conversation! This is your chance to learn the facts, ask questions, and see firsthand the needs of Sheboygan Falls High School and Elementary School.

Sessions:
📍 Wednesday, September 23rd – 6:00pm @ SF Elementary School
📍 Monday, September 28th – 6:00pm @ SF High School
📍 Monday, October 12th – 6:00pm @ SF High School
📍 Tuesday, October 13th – 6:00pm @ SF Elementary School

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We are continuously gathering questions from the community and have created this FAQ hub. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email Superintendent Zach Pethan at ztpethan@sheboyganfalls.k12.wi.us

PROJECT PRIORITIES

The proposed 2026 plan is a revised approach that reflects community feedback, facility assessments, and careful evaluation of the District's highest priorities. By focusing on renovating and maximizing existing spaces at both the elementary and high school, this plan reduces the overall scope and cost while continuing to address educational, safety, and infrastructure needs.

Areas of Need icons and descriptions

PROPOSED PLAN + SITE PLANS

SHEBOYGAN FALLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (RENOVATION)

Goals - 

  • Strengthen student support and special education services

  • Create flexible learning and collaboration spaces

  • Update the library, cafeteria, and kitchen

  • Expand before and after-school programming opportunities, including 4K wrap-around care

  • Address building systems and infrastructure needs

ES Floor Plan

  1. Renovate academic areas to create a small-group instruction and student collaboration spaces for each grade level

  2. Updated classrooms to improve services for students receiving special education

  3. Remodel and expand the cafeteria and kitchen

  4. Renovate and expand the library

  5. Renovate the student services office area to accommodate before-and after-school programming and tutoring

SHEBOYGAN FALLS HIGH SCHOOL (RENOVATION + ADDITION)

Goals - 

  • Expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) and career pathway opportunities

  • Update science, STEM, and instructional spaces

  • Support student collaboration, career readiness, and Youth Apprenticeship participation

  • Improve safety, accessibility, and traffic flow

  • Address aging infrastructure and long-term capital maintenance needs

HS Floor Plan

HS Site Plan

  1. Renovate and expand the E-wing for agriculture and automotive/small-engine repair lab

  2. Add onto the northeast side of the building for science classrooms and labs, career and technical education/shop areas, a STEM lab (science, technology, engineering, and math), and the library

  3. Update classrooms throughout the building

  4. Update the life skills classroom for students receiving special education

  5. Update the auditorium with new seating, finishes, and curtains

  6. Update the gym with a new floor, scoreboards, and bleachers

  7. Renovate locker rooms for athletics and physical education

  8. Relocate and expand the weight room and fitness area

  9. Relocate the tennis courts for the CTE/shop expansion (referenced on site plan above)

  10. Replace plumbing and update restrooms to meet ADA requirements

  11. Improve safety by reconfiguring drop-off and pick-up areas (referenced on site plan above)

THE COST + TAX IMPACT

Over the past ten years, the tax mill rate (which is used to calculate the District’s share of local property taxes) has declined 31%.

 In addition, the district has been paying off debt from the 2016 building projects. This has saved taxpayers nearly $5 million in interest costs and eliminated eight years of payments (similar to paying off a home mortgage early). This careful planning gives our community the opportunity to make an investment in our facilities while minimizing the tax impact for our residents.

If approved by voters, the proposed $65.7 million referendum is estimated to have a maximum tax impact of $0.16 per $1,000 of property value. 

  • $100,000 home: $16 per year ($1.33/month)

  • $250,000 home: $40 per year ($3.33/month)

  • $500,000 home: $80 per year ($6.67/month)

These are planning estimates. Actual tax impacts may vary based on property values and future district financial conditions.

School Finance 101

WI School Funding