Marinette voters narrowly approve $68 million school facilities referendum
MARINETTE — In a dramatic, razor-thin decision on Tuesday, voters in the Marinette School District approved a major $68 million capital facilities referendum. The measure passed by an incredibly slim margin of just 40 votes, with 2,703 votes in favor and 2,663 votes against, or 50.4% to 49.6%. Marinette School District officials were asking voters to approve up to $68 million in general obligation bonds for improvements at the middle and high schools, citing aging infrastructure and learning spaces that have become increasingly difficult and costly to maintain. District officials said needs identified in a previous $48 million failed referendum effort had not gone away, while inflation and additional needs had raised costs. At the middle school, plans target wings built in 1921 and 1961 and includes additions and renovations for career and technical education, art, music, student services and shared spaces. Work will modernize cramped, disconnected classrooms and workshops, improve supervision and collaboration, replace aging piping, electrical and ventilation systems and upgrade heating and cooling with air conditioning. The proposal also includes playground equipment and accessibility changes. At the high school, renovations would update wood, metal and automotive shops, music areas, science labs, locker rooms, restrooms and the auditorium.
