The Menasha High School was outdated and undersized, so a Vision Committee studied trends and needs to provide a relevant education. A facilities study and population study found potential and need for improvements. A task force then explored transforming the high school to improve learning environments. They developed two renovation options that were surveyed to the community. Based on feedback, the school board adopted a $29.9 million referendum to renovate and expand the high school. An effective communication campaign informed voters, and the referendum passed with 73% support.

1. A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Originally built in the 1930s, the historic 1,100-student Menasha High School had served the
community well. However, education had changed significantly during those 75 years, and
the building’s classrooms were now outdated, inflexible, and undersized for today’s teaching
methods and dynamic programs.
Visioning Committee
In 2009, realizing these changes and critical needs, a group of citizens, staff, and administrators
spent months studying and analyzing trends, opportunities, and requirements to provide a
relevant education for the future. This group presented a comprehensive Vision Report to the
School Board and community: a road map to better prepare MHS students for life in the 21st
century.
Facilities and Population Studies
Before moving forward with any changes, it was important for the District to understand
exactly where their facilities currently stood. In 2011, EUA conducted a district-wide facilities
study which provided the School Board with the necessary information to make wise building
decisions as they looked to support the vision for 21st century learning. The District also
hired the Applied Population Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to conduct a
student enrollment projection study to help plan for the volume of students the facility would
be expected and equipped to serve into the future. Since the facilities study clearly showed
both potential and need for improvements, and the population study predicted modest
growth, the School Board concluded that the process toward realizing the educational vision
should continue.
Menasha High School

2. Miron Construction Co., Inc | Eppstein Uhen Architects2
A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
High School Transformation Task Force
In September of 2011, a High School Transformation Task Force was formed of District
residents, local business leaders, and District staff. Armed with the Vision Report and findings
from the facilities study, these community volunteers met 15 times, spending more than 35
hours to further the work of the Vision Committee to prepare students for life in the 21st
century. Their focus was to explore how best to transform Menasha High School to improve
learning environments to meet current and future student needs.
The High School Transformation Task Force (TTF), facilitated by EUA and Miron Construction
Co., Inc., reviewed and assessed the data available to identify potential solutions that
addressed the established priorities for instruction, technology, and physical learning
environments. The TTF reviewed the following:
2009 Vision Committee’s report and recommendations
The District’s Above & Beyond initiative
Facilities Study Report (including building conditions, educational adequacy, and
accessibility)
21st century learning concepts (educational program and facility aspects)
Overview of the District’s financial status and how schools are funded
Enrollment history and recent projections provided by the Applied Population Laboratory,
UW-Madison
Historical comparison data of other regional school renovation & construction projects
Preliminary options
Early in 2012, the TTF presented its findings and advisory recommendations to the MJSD Board
and the Menasha community, including scenarios ranging from addressing only immediate
maintenance needs to building a new High School.
The work done by the TTF was reviewed and embraced by the MJSD Board. Because the Board
understood the historic significance and pride that entrenched the current high school, and to
reduce potential project costs, the Board eliminated building a new school as a viable option.
The Board also felt that only addressing immediate maintenance needs would fail to address
long-term educational goals and be a fiscally irresponsible decision.
The Board identified two potential options for further exploration. The EUA/Miron team then
detailed the program and cost implications of the renovation options.
“The team [Miron & EUA] helped to guide and coach us through the development of a facilities vision for our high school. The process started
with a thorough, objective review of our facilities. As our community decided on the scope and cost of the project, their team was there
every step of the way offering their services to help us make informed, realistic decisions....Through their strong coaching and advice, our
facilities task force came up with exciting, cost-conscious and realistic options for our community, eventually resulting in a 73% yes vote to
renovate our high school.” ~ Larry Haase, Menasha High School Principal

3. 3
A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Menasha High School
Community-Wide Survey
Recognizing that any plans going forward must reflect the priorities of taxpayers, students
and families, the District sought broad-scale input by initiating a community-wide survey in
the fall of 2012 conducted by School Perceptions LLC. The survey solicited feedback on two
specific options emerging directly from the TTF efforts. Both options addressed all of the goals
and priorities identified by the TTF—including the preservation of the most significant historic
building elements.
The survey explained the components and costs of Option A ($37 - $41 million) and Option B
($26 to $30 million), and pointedly asked of each: “Would you likely support a referendum for
this option as described above?”
The survey provided information on tax impact and the historically-low interest rates that
could significantly reduce the long-term borrowing costs, and asked participants to rank the
importance of seizing this financial opportunity in moving forward with addressing MHS
facility needs. Participants were given the opportunity to comment on their satisfaction with
the District and make any suggestions or comments to improve MJSD.
The community responded, and the results were encouraging and informative:
54% of District residents indicated they would either definitely or probably vote yes on
a referendum for Option B; while 50% would either definitely or probably vote yes on a
referendum for Option A.
83% of residents said it was important for the District to move forward given the low
interest rates and competitive construction market.
The results of the survey were communicated to the community in the local news and posted
on the District website.
Solution Refinement and Board Adoption
Using the survey data, the Board focused their efforts in early 2013 on finalizing one proposal
to bring to the community for referendum. Based on feedback, the plan was fine-tuned to
reflect the goals and priorities of the community members and meet the needs of the next
generation of students.
Ultimately, the Board adopted one referendum question for $29.9 million to renovate,
upgrade, and expand Menasha High School. The project included additions for science and
music; expanded Technical Education areas; remodel of academic spaces for active learning
and collaboration areas; transformation of student commons and media center; improvements
to building accessibility and natural day lighting; building systems upgrades for energy
efficiency; and restoration of key historic structures.
CREATE SECURE
MAIN ENTRANCE

4. Miron Construction Co., Inc | Eppstein Uhen Architects4
Communication Campaign
Once finalized, the referendum message needed to be effectively communicated to the
community. EUA and Miron led the District through the development of a communication
strategy and time line for dissemination of information, and donated the graphic design
services for the communication collateral. Direct mail pieces, display boards, buttons, window
clings, banners, student flyers, and the referendum website permeated the community and
reached voters with vital referendum details. Open lines of communication via phone, a
dedicated referendum email account, and multiple community forum meetings also provided
the opportunity for residents to get details clarified and questions answered.
Advocacy Group
A separate community-led “Vote Yes” group formed and reinforced support for the solution
to enhance the high school facilities for current and future students. This creative team of
volunteers forged their own message of “Say Yes to MHS!” with calling cards, T-shirts, yard
signs and a clever YouTube video, titled “It’s for me!” showcasing the diverse range of students
the new facilities will benefit.
The Result: 73% Support
Years of researching, planning, communicating and listening to the community paid off at the
polls with 2,858 yes votes to 1,046 no: a whopping 73% approval. Miron and EUA are honored
to have contributed to their successful planning and referendum efforts, and are excited to
serve as their architecture/construction team.
Your Contacts
Craig Uhlenbrauck
Education Market Specialist
Miron Construction Co., Inc.
craig.uhlenbrauck@miron-construction.com
920.969.7030
Kit Dailey
Public Information Specialist
Eppstein Uhen Architects
kitd@eua.com
414.271.5350
A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS