Construction begins on referendum-funded tech ed remodel at RHS

As the spring thaw nears, the School District of Rhinelander is preparing to ramp up construction of the upgraded technical education and science classrooms at Rhinelander High School and James Williams Middle School.

The construction impacts student and staff parking on the high school’s south and east sides.
(Photo by Bob Mainhardt/River News)

The remodel project will provide students with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, fostering hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for future success, according to a March 19 district news release.

“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our community in making this project a reality,” superintendent Eric Burke said in the news release. “This investment in our schools reflects our shared commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for our students.”

Preliminary work on the project began earlier this month, with temporary fencing being erected in late February. Crews from Musson Brothers of Rhinelander are currently working on installing new gas and electric services to the tech ed wing of the building.

The project is being funded by a $26 million referendum approved in April 2024 by more than 66% of voters.

In a financial update at the March 24 School District of Rhinelander Board of Education meeting, Bob Thom, director of business services, reported that the $26 million referendum bond has already accrued $553,517 in interest and an additional $313,907 was secured in donations.

The bond proceeds, Thom said, are invested in CDs and treasury bills with Ehlers Investment Services, earning a 4.12 percent return.

“We’re on track to be in that 4 percent range on the return,” Thom said. “We were projecting $1 million in interest, so at 4 percent we should pretty much hit $1 million, hopefully a little more, if rates stay up.”

A March 19 finance report presented at the meeting indicated $1.27 million has already been spent on the project’s construction services, which includes supplies, equipment and fees/permits.

Last week, the school district announced a groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Monday, April 7 at 4 p.m. at Rhinelander High School. All community members are welcome to attend the celebration.

Michael Strasburg may be reached at [email protected].