The West Bend School District (WBSD) has released a detailed progress report on ongoing construction projects impacting several elementary and intermediate schools across the district. These improvements are part of the $106.25 million facilities referendum approved by local voters in the 2024 fall election, with 18,470 votes in favor and 13,657 against, marking a major investment in modernizing local school infrastructure.
The latest update covers work at McLane Elementary, Green Tree Elementary, Silverbrook Intermediate, and Jackson Elementary, while additional plans for Badger Middle School and West Bend East and West high schools are expected to be shared next week.
McLane Elementary has reached critical milestones aimed at both energy efficiency and classroom comfort. New windows have been fully installed, and the gymnasium now features motorized shades, improving lighting control and reducing glare for student activities.
According to the district update,
“McLane hallway border tile is slated to be installed in the coming weeks.”
This finishing phase signals that the building’s common areas are approaching their final design stage.
At Green Tree Elementary, construction work is largely finished with only one significant component left to install — a new 77-kilowatt backup generator. This power system is designed to support building safety and operations during outages.
The district confirmed that the generator will support “safety lighting, fire alarms, security, and other systems pertinent to the school.”
In addition to the back-up power unit, a new vestibule door, marker boards, and tack boards have been installed, bringing classroom and entrance upgrades closer to completion.
Work at Silverbrook Intermediate and the new Jackson Elementary School is on track for major progress beginning in summer 2026. A new school will be constructed in Jackson, while Silverbrook will undergo phased improvements to minimize disruption.
The district explained that,
“In the summer and fall of 2026, in addition to construction of the new Jackson Elementary, work will take place at Silverbrook.”
To reduce the impact on families, the school intends to offer summer school and YMCA daycare in unaffected building sections, ensuring continued access to community programs.
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For the 2026–27 school year, Silverbrook will temporarily serve only sixth-grade students, allowing construction to proceed through the fall.
Final planning for the new Jackson Elementary is nearly complete. The district reported,
“Final construction documents for Jackson Elementary are being completed after the Village of Jackson has given all necessary approvals.”
Bidding will be managed by Findorff, the district’s construction manager, with opportunities posted publicly on school and project websites.
Construction on Jackson Elementary is expected to begin in spring 2026.
The WBSD confirmed that planning meetings for Badger Middle School improvements will take place next week, with construction expected to start in summer 2026.
Meanwhile, designs for updates at West Bend East and West high schools are currently in development. More details and renderings are expected in the upcoming district announcement.
The referendum projects mark one of the district’s largest infrastructure efforts in decades, reflecting both community investment and the need for modern school facilities. As upgrades continue across multiple campuses, the district is working to phase work strategically to minimize disruptions, protect safety, and deliver updated learning environments.
Originally reported by Daily News Staff in Wisconsin County Daily News.
