Winona Area Public Schools
Voters in Winona Area Public Schools defeated a two-question referendum that sought to improve educational and activity spaces across the district.
Question 1 was defeated with 2,380 (65.6%) no votes to 1,250 (34.4%) yes votes. Question 2 was defeated with 2,378 (66%) no votes to 1,227 (34%) yes votes.
“We are disappointed that the majority of those who voted in this election didn’t share our same vision to invest in our students by improving our spaces,” WAPS school board chair Nancy Denzer said. “We remain committed to solving our long-term facilities issues. Our needs are real, and they are not going away. We look forward to learning more from these results and moving forward with our students and staff at the forefront of our decision making.”
Question 1 included the creation of personalized learning spaces at all three elementary schools to support individualized instruction, small additions at Jefferson and Washington-Kosciusko to improve accessibility and a remodel of the industrial tech wing at the high school to offer robust career exploration opportunities. It will also provide a fitness space at the Area Learning Center and address deferred maintenance issues across the district. Question 2 included the addition of a second gymnasium, new locker rooms and remodeled fine arts spaces — all at the high school.
The planning for this referendum started in 2021. The WAPS Community Task Force, a volunteer group of staff, parents and community members, met 10 times, toured each of the district’s six buildings and vetted 12 different options before making a recommendation to the board. A scientific survey conducted in May of 2022 indicated public support for the overall plan and the individual projects, as well as general support for WAPS. The proposal was modified slightly before receiving unanimous approval from the board in January 2023.
WAPS voters have approved only two other bond referenda. In the late 1990s, voters approved the construction of the middle school. In 2018, voters approved a referendum that addressed the district’s most dire safety, security and accessibility concerns.
Vote counts are unofficial until canvassed by the school board at its April 20 meeting.