Whitefish Bay School District
Election Day: November 3, 2026
Facilities Referendum
Building Futures
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, residents of the Whitefish Bay School District will vote on a general obligation bond issue not to exceed [$90.2 million].
The revenue provided by the proposed bond will enable our district to move forward with:
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A full-scale multi-year renovation of Whitefish Bay Middle School.
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Upgrades to the mechanical systems and fire protection systems and alarms at the high school.
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Upgrades to the fire protection systems and alarms at the district’s elementary schools.
The property tax impact of an approved bond will be [AMOUNT] per $1,000 of equalized valuation for a home within the district. This would result in an increase of [AMOUNT] per month (or [AMOUNT] per year) on a home worth [AMOUNT].
Education has long been a cornerstone of our community and our students are high-achievers. The bond proposal on the November ballot will address facility challenges so our students can learn, participate, and thrive in safe, modern, and effective educational environments.
How Did We Get Here?
Since June 2023, the Board of Education and administration at Whitefish Bay Schools have engaged in a long-range facility planning process that included comprehensive assessments of all buildings and grounds, the formation of an advisory committee, community engagement, and the exploration of multiple project options.
A communitywide survey was conducted in November 2025 as part of the facility planning process. An advisory committee comprising community members, parents, and district staff was also formed to study facility conditions, enrollment trends, and modern learning standards. The committee ultimately recommended a bond referendum to address our facility challenges.
Following the survey and committee’s guidance, the board approved the placement of a $135.6 million bond question on the April 2026 ballot.
The initial referendum focused on two primary issues: District-wide renovations and the construction of a new middle school. Approximately $67.9 million was allocated for renovations at Cumberland, Richards, Whitefish Bay High School, and Lydell to improve accessibility, safety and security at entrances, and to replace aging mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems. The remaining $67.7 million was dedicated to building a new middle school.
The referendum fell approximately 300 votes short of the 50% majority required to pass. Following the outcome, the board and administration returned to their planning and hosted community focus groups and conducted a second survey throughout July seeking feedback and input about the April vote and possible project alternatives.
<Survey #2 results summary>
In August, the board unanimously approved the placement of the [AMOUNT] bond question for the November 3 election.
Our Project Proposal
[Project details, architectural renderings, gallery featuring facility challenges]
Join Us!
Community members are encouraged to attend an upcoming presentation about the facilities referendum. The same information will be shared during each presentation. Building tours and question-and-answer sessions will differ by session and will not be recorded.
[DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS]
Want to learn more and see the facility needs in the Whitefish Bay School District for yourself? Join us for a school tour between now and the November 3 election!
Please use this [SIGN UP FORM] to reserve a time. If you have any questions, please call
Why We Couldn't Wait
Whitefish Bay Schools is at an important planning juncture as its leaders prepare for the future of our facilities and infrastructure. While the remaining debt from the 2009 facilities referendum is scheduled to be retired within the coming year, providing a modest degree of long-term financial flexibility, the urgency for continued investment is driven by the physical state and reliability of our buildings.
Many core systems—including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical—have reached the end of their expected service life, and the middle school requires significant investment to meet current accessibility, educational, and safety standards.
By addressing these needs now, the district can take a proactive, coordinated approach to construction rather than reacting to costly emergency repairs that disrupt learning. The proposed bond projects will ensure Whitefish Bay Schools continue to reflect the community’s high expectations and mission to be an exceptional place to learn.
Exterior and interior photos of Whitefish Bay Middle School.
Frequently Asked Questions
We Want to Hear From You
We value your voice and welcome your input! Please use our contact form to share any questions, thoughts, or feedback you may have about the proposed facility plans or the upcoming bond vote.
Your comments will be reviewed by district leadership and may help shape future communication, clarify community questions, and ensure we are addressing the issues that matter most to you.
This form is more than a suggestion box—it’s a vital part of our commitment to transparency, two-way communication, and serving our community well.
We look forward to hearing from you!
