PROJECT PROGRESS REPORTS

The Whitnall School District has successfully finalized the bond issuance for our 2024 Referendum, marking a significant milestone in our winter progress report. Following the board’s approval of the final bond sale, the district secured a favorable fixed interest rate of 3.75% through PMA financing. This rate adjustment has led to a total debt service saving of nearly $4 million relative to the projections established prior to the referendum. By locking in these rates during a favorable market window, the district has effectively reduced the long-term borrowing costs originally anticipated for these capital improvements. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to maintaining the fiscal health of the district while delivering on the promises made to our community.

Furthermore, the strategic selection of the PMA fee structure yielded an additional $432,800 in administrative savings. These combined figures represent a total reduction in the projected financial impact on (the District and) taxpayers. This proactive financial oversight ensures that the project remains on solid footing as we transition into the next phase of development. We look forward to providing further updates as physical work begins to take shape across our buildings.

Ground Breaking Ceremony

On April 16 the Whitnall community came together to officially break ground on the 2024 Referendum projects! Holding ceremonies at both Whitnall High School and Edgerton Elementary made for a perfect afternoon, and seeing so many students, staff, and neighbors there reminded us just what makes our community so wonderful. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to share in the excitement and support this investment in our schools.

Projects like these are a team effort, and we want to send a warm thank you to our partners at Bray Architects and CG Schmidt for helping us bring these dreams to life. We are excited to watch these spaces grow and change over the next 16 months, and we already can’t wait to have you all back to celebrate the finished results at our ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

Construction Updates

April 2026

• Kitchen Abatement Complete
• Site Demolition of NW Parking lot Started
• Weight Room and Gymnasium Power
• Relocation Started

May 2026

• Finished Mass Demolition of Existing
• Weight Room
• Locker Room Demolition Started
• Backfill Kitchen Underground

Construction Updates

June 2026

• Kitchen:
  • Underfloor plumbing rough in completed
  • Topping slabs complete
  • Overhead mechanical and plumbing rough-in has begun
  • Masonry wall construction completed
• Natatorium:
  • Underslab plumbing rough-in has begun
  • Concrete footings are underway
  • Concrete foundation walls are underway

WHAT'S NEW?

A core planning team, consisting of district administration, principals, and Bray Architects, has been established and meets every other Tuesday to drive the project forward. In addition, the district recently selected CG Schmidt as the construction manager, and they will now be joining the planning team for ongoing collaboration.

PLANNING & DESIGN UPDATE

The architects have conducted field verification and 3D scanning to document the current building conditions. Land surveys have been completed for both Whitnall High School and Edgerton Elementary. In addition, the first round of user group meetings with teachers, staff, and coaches has taken place. To inspire the design for the upcoming additions\ and renovations, kindergarten and 4K teachers from Edgerton Elementary toured several elementary buildings

NEXT STEPS 

The second round of user group meetings will be held with teachers, staff, and coaches. A schematic design progress set will be issued for review and coordination with the district, consultants, and the construction manager. Additionally, we will continue To engage engineering consultants as we enter the design development phase.

BOARD PRESENTATION

Use this link to view the presentation that Bray gave at the February 10, 2025 Board Meeting. 

WHAT'S NEW?

Engineers completed site verifications (many during spring break when the buildings were empty, some might have seen them on site in March), including site survey and geo-technical boring locations. Edgerton Elementary and Whitnall High School projects have been registered with the Design Assistance Program through Focus on Energy, and projects in multiple buildings will earn rebates based on improving the energy efficiency of building systems and sustainable improvements.

PLANNING & DESIGN UPDATE

Regular, bi-monthly meetings with District Administration continue, as well as meetings with building principals, teachers and staff. Civil, mechanical, electrical and plumbing consultants have been progressing design, as well as specialty consultants like food service, pool and theatrical. Bray presented preliminary exterior massing studies and preliminary finish presentations for additions and renovations. In addition, the food service consultant did observations to improve the flow through the high school servery.

NEXT STEPS

Another round of user group meetings are taking place during a professional development day in April to get feedback from principals, teachers and staff. Bray and CG Schmidt will be presenting to the School Board on Monday, May 5th. Bray will continue to develop both the exterior and interior design, as well as progress the site plans.

WHAT'S NEW?

The Core Planning Team continues to meet every other Tuesday. The exterior and interior design has been finalized over the past several months. Bray Architects presented 3D renderings of the new and to-be renovated spaces at the July 14 Board Meeting and CG Schmidt shared the project is tracking on budget.

PLANNING & DESIGN UPDATE

The Bray team, along with their consultants, have continued to meet over the summer with the District team related to engineering coordination and decision making, specifically related to civil, mechanical, electrical / technology and plumbing, as well as pool, food service, and theater design.

NEXT STEPS 

Bray Architects has moved into the Construction Document phase of design. This involves creating the detailed documents that will be used during construction. The municipal approval processes will also begin as the exterior and site design is being finalized.

WHAT'S NEW

Municipal meetings have started with both the Village of Hales Corners and the City of Greenfield for site and exterior design
approval.

PLANNING & DESIGN UPDATE

The design phase is nearing completion and the construction documents for all four schools will be completed in the coming weeks. The architectural team, along with civil, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical engineers, recently met with the District to review and coordinate the final details.

NEXT STEPS

Bray Architects will issue construction documents to CG Schmidt for bidding in early 2026. These documents include the detailed drawings and specifications that outline exactly how the projects will be built.