RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The School District of River Falls has kicked off several significant construction initiatives, backed by a successful referendum.

In March, the district began work on five projects valued at nearly $22 million. These include renovations at River Falls High School ($5.75 million), a new transportation center ($5 million), as well as maintenance and security upgrades at Meyer Middle School ($5 million), Rocky Branch Elementary School ($2.7 million), and Westside Elementary School ($3.2 million).

These projects are funded by a referendum approved in November 2024, which sought a $28 million bond for facilities maintenance and new construction. The bond’s proceeds are earmarked for a variety of upgrades, including $20 million for facility security improvements, a new transportation center, and a multi-purpose space at the high school, according to plans from last year.

In the fall of 2024, voters were asked to approve both a tax increase to boost the district’s revenue and the $28 million bond specifically for school facilities. Both measures were successfully passed, enabling the district to move forward with these much-needed improvements.

For the design and execution of all the referendum-funded projects, the district enlisted the services of Kraus-Anderson (KA) and Bray Architects. All five projects are expected to be completed before the start of the 2025 school year.

Among the upgrades, the renovation at River Falls High School includes a 4,000-square-foot multi-purpose room with turf flooring, as well as a new wrestling room, training room, offices, and storage spaces, KA officials shared. Additionally, crews will work on refinishing the main gym floor, installing new bleachers, upgrading locker bay security doors, and updating fire alarm systems throughout the school.

Kraus-Anderson will also oversee the construction of a new two-story transportation center, complete with in-floor heating, offices, and workrooms, according to company officials. The center will be located on a newly purchased lot and will replace an aging facility built in 1966 that no longer meets current standards. While the district had considered demolishing the existing maintenance bay and office space, officials opted instead to repurpose it for vehicle storage.

“Kraus-Anderson has completed over $1 billion in K-12 projects over the last five years,” the company’s officials stated. “Our work extends beyond just K-12 education and includes healthcare, commercial, and other educational projects in a variety of cities, including Milwaukee, Oconomowoc, Whitehall, and Grantsburg.”

As these construction efforts continue, the district is poised to see a significant enhancement in its facilities, contributing to an improved learning environment for both students and staff.

Additional Developments in the River Falls School District

In addition to the specific projects mentioned above, the School District of River Falls has outlined plans for ongoing community involvement and transparency throughout the construction process. The district will hold public meetings and provide regular updates on the status of the projects, ensuring that residents and stakeholders are well-informed about progress and timelines.

The district is also exploring opportunities to incorporate sustainable design elements into the construction, with energy-efficient systems and environmentally friendly materials being prioritized in some of the upgrades. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to create a more sustainable and modern learning environment for students.

Local businesses and contractors will be involved in various aspects of the construction, with the district emphasizing its commitment to supporting the regional economy by working with Wisconsin-based companies for the majority of the projects.

As the projects move forward, the River Falls community can expect to see tangible improvements that will enhance the educational experience for years to come. The collaboration between the district, Kraus-Anderson, and Bray Architects underscores the shared goal of fostering a safe, innovative, and modern learning environment for the next generation of students.

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Originally reported by Ethan Duran in Finance & Commerce.