Wisconsin voters pass school district’s referendum for childcare center

Photo courtesy: Lincoln School District

By Salina Heller

November 8, 2024

There will be a new childcare center in Jackson County, thanks to voters and a rural school district.

In the Lincoln School District – which is Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan, voters saw a little something different on the ballot this week. It was a question that asked to borrow about $2.9 million dollars to add a childcare center onto the elementary school in Merrillan. It passed, with 57% voting in favor of the project.

Superintendent Drew Semingson said, “We are deeply grateful to our community for their support of our educational programs and their trust in our vision to expand with the addition of a childcare center. As many areas across the state struggle with a shortage of licensed childcare facilities and years-long waitlists, our school and community are stepping up to offer a solution. This addition will help us attract young families, stabilize enrollment, and foster community growth. We are honored to take on this responsibility, knowing that our voters recognize the importance of supporting families, their kids, and our schools.”

This long-term solution included some creative thinking to fund about half the construction of a childcare center, rather than putting it all on property taxpayers. The district also applied for and is likely to receive a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant. The center will be designed to serve as a storm or emergency shelter, to be used if the community needs a place to go. The district anticipates about $3 million in FEMA funding.

Author

Salina Heller

A former 15-year veteran of reporting local news for western Wisconsin TV and radio stations, Salina Heller also volunteers in community theater, helps organize the Chippewa Valley Air Show, and is kept busy by her daughter’s elementary school PTA meetings. She is a UW-Eau Claire alum.

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CATEGORIES: EDUCATION

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