FROM THE DESK OF: Conrad D. Farner, Superintendent
The November 5, 2024 election is an exciting opportunity for "we the people" to continue to exercise our amazing right and obligation to choose our legislative and executive branch officials. Locally, the Arrowhead Learning Community has the opportunity to decide if the time has come for Arrowhead High School to move into the current century with a new, single school building. Our two current buildings were built in 1955 and 1969 and the world has changed dramatically over the past 55-70 years.
The School Board is doing its due diligence in presenting this opportunity to the taxpayers. Community survey results from last spring informed the Board's decision to put an entirely new school on the ballot. The community clearly indicated it does not support investing tens of millions of dollars into our two old buildings. The community survey results also showed strong support for moving our students and staff under one roof. Given that the cost to construct a new school will only increase, the Board considered the fact that there will never be a more affordable time to build a new school, making now the time to realize the best return on the taxpayers' investment.
As one of the lowest funded, lowest spending and lowest taxing districts in the state, the Arrowhead Board and Administration are as fiscally responsible as any district management team. The tax rate for the Arrowhead district has dropped by more than half from $3.66 in 2012-13 to $1.81 in 2023-24. Arrowhead (including the feeder schools) is by far the lowest taxing district in Waukesha County.
With districts all around Arrowhead making significant investments in their schools and facilities, it is time for the community to determine the identity of Arrowhead High School. Additional information about the referendum is available at our district website: https://www.arrowheadschools.org/referendum/.
Thank you to everyone who came to one of our community information sessions, hosted a presentation, emailed a question or called to get more information. It has been a pleasure exchanging information and points of view. The Arrowhead Learning Community cares about its students and the District's facilities. It is an honor to work for the Arrowhead Union High School District. Please VOTE on November 5!