Group looks to promote Wisconsin Heights auditorium referendum

In the wake of a facilities referendum in the fall--one in which the District managed to cut 20 percent off the cost--Wisconsin Heights is now looking at a $7.5 million auditorium referendum. When the board chose to go forward with the facilities referendum last year, they considered, but ultimately chose not to, include the auditorium project on the ballot. In a short period of time a non-for-profit sprung up in support of the auditorium referendum. The Wisconsin Heights Performing Arts Council (WiHPAC) stepped to the fore to advocate for the project. According to Public Relations Coordinator Eric Ripp: “In 2018, and again in 2019, the Wisconsin Heights School District hosted forums [called Future Searches] to gather ideas about the direction of the district. These sessions, called ‘A Community Conversation,’ were attended by more than a hundred people of different ages and backgrounds to discuss what makes a great community. One of the identified needs that received significant support was a community auditorium. When the same group met a year later, the community auditorium remained high on the list.” Ripp continues: “Recently, a group of volunteer community members formed a not-for-profit organization to support the building and operation of an auditorium facility. The group, called the Wisconsin Heights Performing Arts Council (WiHPAC), consists of 67 members committed to making this project happen. WiHPAC President Kyle Schaefer says, “The school has been supportive of the concept; we have built our group of volunteers to serve as additional resources to help with building the facility.” It has been almost six decades since the current stage was built. WiHPAC believes that a civic auditorium is a community investment that will last at least as long. It’s an investment in our school, our community, and our local businesses. WiHPAC Public Relations Coordinator Eric Ripp stated that, “For nearly 60 years, the school district has worked hard to make do with what we have; we need to give our school the tools to make our community better.”” The group explains: “WiHPAC also believes that an auditorium is an investment in the cultural and economic health of our community. One of the keys to making the Wisconsin Heights area a place that people drive to—and not drive through—is having an easily visible and accessible venue for events that will draw people to our community. Several surrounding communities have a similar venue and they have reaped the rewards of their investment. As WiHPAC board member Joanie Haugen noted, “People are not saying we don’t need a civic auditorium, they are struggling with the cost.” WiHPAC has formed a Fundraising Committee that is focused on making the auditorium cost-neutral once it is built.  WiHPAC is also committed to reducing the tax impact on our community members by providing support during the build.” WiHPAC has three current goals, according to the group: “1. Reduce the cost of the auditorium for taxpayers. According to Performance Services Business Development Manager Jim Wede, “By delaying the auditorium another five years, it would cost the district roughly $2,263,000 more than building it in 2021-22. This does not include the possible increase in interest in five years, which would definitely affect the price tag.” Acting now can maximize cost savings by building while the construction equipment and crews are already on site for the new school addition. Building now can also maximize our investment by taking advantage of low interest rates. “2. Support the school district. WiHPAC will participate in fundraising; provide valuable input on facility needs; assist with community outreach for facility functions, including programs that would utilize the facility; and help with grant and donation opportunities. “3. Make it a venue for everyone. This is not just a high school stage; it is a civic auditorium for all members of the community, as well as pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. WiHPAC has helped identify 30+ district events and approximately 20 organizations that would make use of this facility. There is also the opportunity for hosting graduations and 8th grade transition ceremonies; award ceremonies; concerts; school pep rallies; political debates; community forums; and, of course, performances by students, as well as local and regional community bands and theater groups. These events are important to a healthy community, and a civic auditorium will allow Wisconsin Heights to be a centerpiece for community events. A bit more about WiHPAC: “In order to accomplish these goals, WiHPAC has created five sub-committees. The Community Outreach Committee, organized by Emma Schaefer, will work with volunteers to connect with the community and build momentum for a ‘Yes’ vote. The Fundraising Committee, guided by Cathy Campbell, will research local groups and grant programs to raise funds and lower the overall cost to taxpayers. The Programs Committee, chaired by Emalie Sternberg, will connect with local groups that could benefit from having access to the new auditorium. The Building Support Committee, headed by Lydan Haas, a liaison to the project to pass along experiential knowledge from previous productions. The Technology Committee, managed by Jodie Szudy, will manage the WiHPAC website and social media presence.” “We have a short amount of time to get information to the voters. We created these committees so that no single person bears the entire load. I feel like we have the right people with a diverse set of skills to inform voters that now is the time to vote ‘yes’ for a new civic auditorium,” says WiHPAC President Kyle Schaefer. These committees will change as focus shifts from construction to the operation of the auditorium, but the organization will continue for the long term. Post construction, WiHPAC will continue to support the operations of the venue, as well as meeting the long-term needs of the facility. For more information on the Wisconsin Heights Performing Arts Council, go to www.wihpac.org