Learn About Proposed Facility Improvements for the Luxemburg-Casco School District

LUXEMBURG & CASCO, WI -- Community members in the Luxemburg-Casco School District are invited to an informational meeting to learn more about proposed school building improvements. The meeting will be hosted by the Luxemburg-Casco School Board and Administration on Tuesday, April 19, 6:30PM in the High School Auditorium.

Over the past 18 months, the Luxemburg-Casco School Board and Administration have been diligently working to develop a comprehensive facility plan that will address long-standing, necessary improvements at each of our school buildings. “Our facilities have dutifully served Luxemburg and Casco for well over half a century. With periodic additions, they have kept pace with the evolving needs of our community,” states Glenn Schlender, District Superintendent, “It is inevitable that, similar to maintaining our own homes, significant improvements need to be made from time to time. Fortunately the district can take advantage of low interest rates and construction costs, enabling us to implement these projects with a minimal impact on taxpayers.”

“Over the years, the facilities staff has done a great job of maintaining our school buildings and grounds, however there is only so much they can do in terms of routine maintenance.” He also added, “The time has come to implement a district-wide facility plan to repair and replace pieces of equipment that are well beyond their useful life. This includes improvements and renovations that, quite frankly, have been needed for some time.”

In May, 2015, the District entered into a project development agreement with Nexus Solutions whose team conducted a comprehensive analysis of the entire school. Together with the District’s financial consultant, these organizations have provided solid technical and financial data on which to base the District’s facility improvement decisions. In fact, LCSD is doing the work under what is called a “performance contract agreement” with Nexus Solutions, in which Nexus guarantees the district will realize savings in fuel, electricity and other utility usage. If the guaranteed savings are not realized, Nexus is required by law to make up the shortfall. Our Board of Education has recommended we use these savings to help pay for the project and minimize the increase to our local tax rates.

Working closely with Nexus Solutions to develop both a technical and financial solution for Luxemburg-Casco, the board and administration have developed a plan to replace and repair old HVAC systems; upgrade building automation systems; upgrade water and electrical systems; repair and renovate damaged and crumbling parts of the building exterior; replace worn sections of roofing; remodel outdated learning spaces and providing secure building entrances; resurfacing cracked asphalt, in addition to upgrading or replacing safety technology such as the security and fire alarm systems.

“Replacing outdated ventilation, lighting, heating, plumbing and other systems alone would save the district close to $65,000 annually,” said Schlender. “The money saved could instead be used to invest in the facility rather than pay the utility companies.”

The District would like to share the results of their extensive analysis with the community and hope you will join us at next week’s meeting. “Our buildings belong to the community, and we would like to share our plans,” said Schlender, “With favorable contractor costs and very low interest rates, now is an excellent time to make these improvements. Once the community understands this particular plan, I’m sure they will agree."