Building k-12 Public Schools | Navigating Challenges and securing Community Support for Wisconsin Schools

K-12 public schools play a crucial role in the development of our youth and in shaping the future of our communities. Nevertheless, many face the challenge of balancing deferred maintenance needs, declining enrollment, and budget cuts while striving to deliver top-quality education.

Library Interior of School built by CD Smith Construction with Teacher and Students with headline about K-12 Public Schools Challenges and Community

Here are a few suggestions for effectively addressing these challenges and garnering community support:

Prioritize and Communicate Facility Needs: Developing a comprehensive facilities master plan enables schools to address urgent issues and anticipate future needs. This plan can serve as a tool for keeping stakeholders informed about ongoing needs and progress.
Transparent Budgeting: Transparency regarding budgetary constraints and requirements can help school districts build trust and gain the support of the community.
Addressing Declining Enrollment: Engaging the community in discussions about declining enrollment can help identify root causes and build support for solutions.

What if a referendum is needed?

A robust public school system benefits the entire community. While students, parents, and staff are directly involved, a healthy school system also strengthens the broader community. Engaging individuals who may not have direct involvement in school-related initiatives is a critical aspect of a successful referendum.

School Auditorium with community members attending a session with CD Smith Construction for education event to support school facility

Strategies for Engagement

Highlight Broad Community Benefits – Emphasize how strong schools can increase property values, foster community pride, and lay the foundation for future economic growth.
Engage Through Community Events – Encourage community members to experience the school environment and see firsthand where funding would be allocated.
Ensure Community Representation – It's vital to include a diverse mix of community participants in task forces, committees, and boards to represent the entire community.
Think Long-Term and Big Picture – Investing in schools results in long-term benefits for the community, including a more job-ready workforce and a sense of community pride.

Strategic outreach and community-wide collaboration can create a healthy environment where everyone, regardless of their connection to the school, and can recognize its success as a shared victory.

Date: Feb 19, 2024 | Author: Molly Haack

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IN THE NEWS & Beneath the Hard Hat^®

Building Careers: 2024 Skilled Trades and Construction Management Grants | Beneath the Hard Hat^® 02.14.2024

Future Builders Dive into Skilled Trades with Masonry Construction Mentorship at Bricklayer 500 | Beneath the Hard Hat^® 02.2024

The future of construction isn't just bricks and mortar; it's the passionate hands that lay them. Take a look at this unearthed video from last year's Bricklayer 500. More than just competition, it showcases our core mission: inspiring the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

👷‍♂️👷‍♀️ Fond du Lac High School's Architecture • Construction • Engineering (ACE) Academy students were in attendance at the event. They weren't just cheering on the pros; they were actively learning, laying the foundation for their own rewarding careers in construction. This is the power of hands-on experiences for actively building the future.

TAKING ACTION: How do we ensure enough talent to keep building that future? ACE Academy introduces students to 16 different skilled trades, thanks to the support of 58 incredible program partners. Here's what we're doing to help:

📚 Classroom Connections: We partner with schools like the ACE Academy, providing hands-on learning experiences that introduce students to the diverse world of construction trades.

🤝 Apprenticeship Guidance: Our mentorship programs pair experienced professionals with young apprentices, offering invaluable guidance and practical skills.

💵 Construction Grants: We're excited to announce TWO NEW GRANTS! The Skilled Trades Construction Grant helps high school seniors kickstart their careers with essential tools and gear. The Construction Management Grant supports students pursuing technical or undergraduate degrees in construction management. Both offer up to $1,000, and applications are open NOW!

THRIVING COMMUNITIES, BOOMING DEMAND AND FULFILLING WORK: This dedication to the next generation of builders is at the heart of a mission to bring awareness to opportunities in our industry. Construction careers offer incredible possibilities.

This is about more than money. We believe that investing in construction and our youth benefits everyone. It's a collective effort involving businesses, schools, and the community, encouraging and supporting young people interested in construction careers. Become part of building the future!

Visit the link below to learn more about our 2024 Construction Grants, and encourage young people to explore the exciting world of skilled trades and construction management.

2024 Skilled Trades and Construction Management Grants: https://www.cdsmith.com/blog/building-careers-2024-skilled-trades-construction-management-grants

2023 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 AND THE FUTURE OF MASONRY CONSTRUCTION: https://www.cdsmith.com/blog/2023-spec-mix-bricklayer-500-regional-series-masonry-construction

#construction #education #skilledtrades #projectmanagement #constructionmanagement #apprenticeship #careers #constructionlife #Wisconsin

Advanced Construction High School Student Receives Scholarship for Construction Management Pursuit | Washington County Insider 01.21.2024

Kiel Students Learn About Construction Skilled Trades at Concrete Pour | Beneath the Hard Hat^® 12.27.2023