The Madison School District referendum on November 7 was overwhelmingly approved by voters, 69% to 31%. This approval brings with it a new set of questions, which MMSD Today answers with a trio of short reports about construction of the new school, progress on the Leopold School addition and a general response from Supt. Art Rainwater.

What the approved referendum means
By Superintendent Art Rainwater

November 7 was a great day for our children and for the community. Certainly, the fact that we will have a new school in an area that is experiencing substantial growth is important for our future.

The relief that the community approved from the revenue cap will mean that we will have to reduce our services by less than expected, although we will still have to make cuts of several million dollars. Every staff member whose position is saved to serve children is important and $807,000 of relief will save a number of services.

The most obvious gains aside, it was just as important that the passage of the referendum involved support from the whole community.

The grassroots organization CAST (Community and Schools Together) worked long and hard to be sure that our citizens understood what was at stake and how important their vote was. District staff from the central office, building services and the schools supported this through their hard work and discussion with neighbors and friends.

The most encouraging sign of all was the support that we had from every ward in the school district, a truly resounding expression of support for the MMSD.

Thank you to all.

Spring ground-breaking planned for Linden Park school
By Roger Price, Asst. Supt. for Business Services

Ground-breaking at the new Linden Park school site will occur in early spring. While much still needs to be done, preliminary work is progressing nicely.

Engineers and architects have reviewed building standards that MMSD established.

Food Service personnel have discussed plans for the kitchen. School officials have consulted with City of Madison Park and Recreation Department personnel.

City of Madison planning and engineering staff reviewed the project to provide feedback and express concerns. Parents have also been consulted for feedback and concerns.

The district is also investigating the potential use of geothermal and wind supply energy sources.

We have completed the schematic design: site and building plans, exterior elevations of the building and renderings, as well as identifying the major building systems. The site plan has been laid out, presented to the City for input on street access, and received positive comments.

The City of Madison requires that the project be submitted to the Plan Commission and Urban Design Commission for their review. We anticipate that city approvals will be completed by early February.

The new school is scheduled to open in September of 2008.

Leopold remodeling ahead of schedule
By Doug Pearson, Director of Building Services

Students and staff will be using the new cafeteria when they return from winter break in early January, making the start of the New Year special for the school community. The remodeling project also affects the playground, which will double in size once the project is completed. By November 21, the playground pavement was already laid and two new basketball hoops installed.

The interior work, where the former cafeteria and library will be turned into more functional educational space, is ahead of schedule. The project will create three new classrooms, a new music room, a new art room, a computer lab, and several new, smaller instructional spaces. Work will continue throughout the rest of this school year and into the summer and be ready for students and staff when they return in September.

Progress on the current $2.76 million Leopold Elementary construction project as of Nov. 16th.