In 2018, and again in 2019, the Wisconsin Heights School District hosted forums to gather ideas about the direction of the district. These sessions, called “A Community Conversation,” were attended by more than a hundred people of different ages and backgrounds to discuss what makes a great community. One of the identified needs that received significant support was a community auditorium. When the same group met a year later, the community auditorium remained high on the list.
It has been almost six decades since the current stage was built. WiHPAC believes that a civic auditorium is a community investment that will last at least as long. It’s an investment in our school, our community, and our local businesses. WiHPAC Public Relations Coordinator Eric Ripp stated that, “For nearly 60 years, the school district has worked hard to make do with what we have; we need to give our school the tools to make our community better.”
WiHPAC also believes that an auditorium is an investment in the cultural and economic health of our community. One of the keys to making the Wisconsin Heights area a place that people drive to—and not drive through—is having an easily visible and accessible venue for events that will draw people to our community. Several surrounding communities have a similar venue and they have reaped the rewards of their investment. As WiHPAC board member Joanie Haugen noted, “People are not saying we don’t need a civic auditorium, they are struggling with the cost.” WiHPAC has formed a Fundraising Committee that is focused on making the auditorium cost-neutral once it is built. WiHPAC is also committed to reducing the tax impact on our community members by providing support during the build.
WiHPAC has 3 current goals:
1. Reduce the cost of the auditorium for taxpayers. According to Performance Services Business Development Manager Jim Wede, “By delaying the auditorium another five years, it would cost the district roughly $2,263,000 more than building it in 2021-22. This does not include the possible increase in interest in five years, which would definitely affect the price tag.” Acting now can maximize cost savings by building while the construction equipment and crews are already on site for the new school addition. Building now can also maximize our investment by taking advantage of low interest rates.
2. Support the school district. WiHPAC will participate in fundraising; provide valuable input on facility needs; assist with community outreach for facility functions, including programs that would utilize the facility; and help with grant and donation opportunities.
3. Make it a venue for everyone. This is not just a high school stage; it is a civic auditorium for all members of the community, as well as pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. WiHPAC has helped identify 30+ district events and approximately 20 organizations that would make use of this facility. There is also the opportunity for hosting graduations and 8th grade transition ceremonies; award ceremonies; concerts; school pep rallies; political debates; community forums; and, of course, performances by students, as well as local and regional community bands and theater groups. These events are important to a healthy community, and a civic auditorium will allow Wisconsin Heights to be a centerpiece for community events.