ECSD Supt. Brian Nadeau

I am excited to provide you with an update on our referendum projects! We have entered our final phase of design for both the middle and high school projects. At the high school, we are creating a Career and Technical Education (CTE) addition which will create collaborative learning spaces among our tech ed, agriculture, FACS, and business programs; a fitness center addition, and upgrading some of our building systems in need of repair. At the middle school, we are creating collaborative learning spaces and enhancing the safety and security at each grade wing and upgrading systems and finishes that have not been updated since the school was built in the mid-90’s.

The project was initially planned to start construction in June 2025, but we have found advantages of shifting design and bidding a couple months early so bidding will take place in November 2024, and we anticipate construction to begin in January/February 2025. With this shift, we are now anticipating the completion of both middle and high school projects to be Fall 2025 which is nearly a year ahead of the original timeline. As we wrap up our final page turns and user group feedback, I look forward to sharing more updates with you on these exciting projects and can’t wait to see the community’s vision of this referendum come to life!

One theme that I mentioned at the Salute to Educators event that has resonated with me in my short time in Ellsworth Community Schools is “partnership.” This project epitomizes that theme, and really lays the foundation to continue to grow the partnerships that not only exist, but that have yet to be imagined. Our vision of student-led production has guided the decision-making process throughout and continues to be one of the pillars of this project. As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or compliments, please reach out at 715-273-3900 or nadeaub@ellsworth.k12.wi.us.