Thank You to the Elmbrook Community
    As superintendent, I welcome this opportunity to thank everyone for the successful high school facilities referendum.
   On behalf of the district, I feel both proud and humble about the passage of the referendum.
   The basis for the pride is that the majority electorate came together to fund a major step of progress to sustain our high school facilities into the future.
   The basis for the humility is that, after the needs had been identified and the proposal developed and described, the results were in the hands of the electorate.
   Preparing for a successful referendum in a two high school district that values education, yet where a majority of residents do not have children in the schools, involved a community process of separating needs from wants and then identifying a referendum plan and amount that the majority electorate might support.

Multiple Proposals Narrowed to One Approach
   As examples of referendum plans, some residents wanted one large high school, some wanted two new high schools, others suggested several additions along with remodeled existing space, and others recommended remodeling existing space to include reuse of non-expandable gyms for music and drama, with gym additions. The latter of these approaches emerged as the most cost effective to limit overall square footage--and as a result--both referendum and operating costs. It was this approach upon which the successful referendum was based.
   Looking back, I welcome this opportunity to thank the four community teams that were involved in high school needs identification and proposal processes during the past ten years.
   These teams included the Long Range Facilities and Properties Team in 1997-98, the High School Facilities Needs Assessment Team in 2001-02, the High School Facilities Next Steps Steering Team (HSST) in 2007, and eProgress in 2007.

Teamwork Key To Successful Plans
   I thank the staff and consultants who supported these team processes and the many board members who responded to the reports and recommendations. Looking forward, I welcome the next two years of construction and the resulting renewed high school facilities that will enhance educational opportunities and achievements of current and future students.
   Educational examples that come to mind are updated academic classrooms and science labs, libraries, fine arts, vocational areas, and gyms.
   Operational examples are handicapped accessibility and building layout, fire protection, security systems, efficient heating, ventilating, lighting, air conditioning when needed, and electrical and plumbing replacements.
   Outdoor examples are new windows and updated appearances, secure main entrances and improved parking and traffic flow.
   Thank you, very much, for your generous support of the high school facilities referendum and its investment in the future of our students and community.
   Your Elmbrook Schools work every day to achieve our mission to educate and inspire every student to think, to learn, and to succeed! Join us in this important work. 
   We welcome your thoughts and suggestions, your volunteer hours at the school or the district level, and your continued support.