Referendum 2026
Following a ten-month Facilities planning process that included community feedback, Elmbrook Schools is moving forward with a $100 million capital referendum resolution question this November to address facility needs at four schools built between 1958 and 1969. While the District has already responsibly earmarked $90 million from future annual operating budgets and savings for routine repairs and smaller improvements across all District facilities, these larger, critical upgrades cannot be met through the annual operating budget alone.
This targeted investment directly aligns with the District’s long-term facility planning effort: building what’s next for the students of tomorrow. By addressing these essential infrastructure needs now, the proposed improvements will ensure safe, functional, and future-ready learning environments for Elmbrook students for the next 40 years.
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Estimated Property Tax Impact Calculator
Enter your home’s property value (fair market value) below to estimate the annual tax impact of the proposed comprehensive referendum plan.
Understanding Your Tax Bill
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These projects are intended to modernize learning spaces, improve accessibility and safety, and ensure these schools continue serving students and the community for decades to come.
Pilgrim Park Middle School
Built in 1958
Proritized Needs:
- Light renovation in all classrooms (replace ceiling tiles and flooring, update lighting, and paint)
- Address Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility issues in the music and gym areas
- Expand the gym to accommodate three simultaneous classes due to growing enrollment
- Update robotics, woods, art, and technology classrooms to meet curriculum standards
- Improve traffic flow on Pilgrim Parkway and reduce congestion around the school site
Enrollment & Facility Capacity
2025 Enrollment: 915 students; 80% Capacity
Facility Capacity: 1,146
Project Estimate: $50,368,000
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Tonawanda Elementary School
Built in 1969
Prioritized Needs:
- Replace the open-concept layout with classroom walls to improve student focus and safety
- Expand classroom sizes to meet current District space standards
- Redesign parts of the building to align with current District security standards
Enrollment & Facility Capacity
2025 Enrollment: 518 students; 91% Capacity
Facility Capacity: 569
Project Estimate: $33,717,000
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Swanson Elementary School
Built in 1960
Prioritized Needs:
- Redesign academic support spaces and improve ADA accessibility
- Remodel the library and large learning areas for classroom instruction and community use
- Light renovation in all classrooms (new ceiling tiles, lighting, paint, and flooring)
Enrollment & Facility Capacity
2025 Enrollment: 785 students; 79% Capacity
Facility Capacity: 995
Project Estimate: $9,526,000
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Wisconsin Hills Middle School
Built in 1969
Prioritized Needs:
- Update robotics, woods, art, and technology classrooms to meet current curriculum standards
- Improve ADA accessibility in the music area
- Remodel the cafeteria for large-group instruction and community use
Enrollment & Facility Capacity
2025 Enrollment: 854 students; 74% Capacity
Facility Capacity: 1,115
Project Estimate: $6,389,000
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Our Story is Unique...
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Since the $62.1M high school referendum in 2008, the Board of Education has deployed several financial management strategies that benefit our students and the community.
Zero Deferred Maintenance
District has invested an additional $100 million from its annual operating budgets to maintain, repair and improve its facilities
Lowest Mill Rate
2025 marked the lowest mill rate in district history at $6.26
Aaa Rating
Earned one of only three Aaa bond ratings among 421 Wisconsin districts
$5.1M
Budgeted annually for ongoing facility maintenance
$3M
Interest saved on behalf of taxpayers through the refinancing of 2008 high school referendum debt
$45M
Through strategic healthcare plan design changes, Elmbrook has avoided over $45M in healthcare expenses
A Reinvestment Opportunity
In 2028, the debt from the 2008 high school referendum will be fully paid off. As a result:
- The debt portion ($.56) of the school property tax mill rate will decrease.
What is the Mill Rate & How Does It Impact Me?
A mill rate is the amount of property tax charged for every $1,000 of a property’s fair market value. If Elmbrook voters approve the Comprehensive plan, the property tax mill rate would increase by $.11 representing $11 per $100,000 of property value.
Formula: Mill Rate × Home Value ÷ 1,000
Over the last 15 years, Elmbrook has deployed active facility consolidation and enrollment management practices
| 2012 | Closed Hillside Elementary |
| 2017 | Redistricting of Swanson Elementary to Dixon |
| 2018 | Sale of Central Administrative Office / Brookside Property |
| 2020 | New District Office |
| 2025 | Fairview South Renovation |
| 2026 | Sale of Hillside Property |
The financial outcome of the vote represents two distinct paths for Elmbrook property owners:
| Ballot Outcome | Impact per $1,000 of Property Value |
|---|---|
| If the referendum is approved | Net increase of $0.11 over the current debt mill rate. |
| If a referendum is not approved by 2028 | Net decrease of $0.56 as the 2008 debt expires. |
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ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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UP NEXT
Referendum Events
Virtual Event: Referendum Resources & Q&A
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Referendum Events
Tonawanda Facility Tour
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13605 Underwood River Pkwy Elm Grove WI 53122
Referendum Events
Swanson Facility Tour
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305 N Calhoun Rd Brookfield WI 53005
Referendum Events
Pilgrim Park Middle School Facility Tour
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305 N Calhoun Rd Brookfield WI 53005
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Frequently Asked Questions & Addressing Misinformation
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RECENT UPDATES
The District will host virtual Q&A sessions and in-person school tours to share information about proposed updates at Elmbrook’s four oldest schools. All sessions and tours will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Elmbrook Schools has released a new informational video to provide community members with a clear, visual overview of the proposed November 3 capital referendum and the District's 20-Year Facilities Plan.
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How did we get here?
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