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Bond Construction Update

To the Community of Onalaska ISD, 

January was a busy month for the construction of Onalaska High School.  Here are a few updates.

• The geotechnical survey is nearly completed. This vital step ensures that the school will be built on a firm foundation.

• The site clearing plan has been finalized and approved. Very soon we will have trees coming down. 

• The floor plan for the school is in the final stages of revision. 

• A Meet and Greet has been scheduled for February 11 at El Mante’s. This will provide an opportunity for contractors to meet the architects and representatives from Pogue Construction, the construction manager at risk for the building, and learn about the bid process and the scope of the project. This come-and-go event is scheduled for 11:00-2:30.

Unfortunately, not all of the news I have is positive. Since taking over this project as the superintendent, we have encountered a number of areas and items that needed to be changed and adjusted. This has resulted in some delays, and has pushed back our timeline for opening. Our initial plan was to open Onalaska High School in August of 2026. We are now planning to open after we return from Christmas break in January, of 2027. 

I assure you that as much as this is not the news you are wanting to hear, I just as much do not want to be delivering it. 

With projects of this size, it is easier, more efficient, and more cost effective to make changes before construction begins, than it is to do so afterwards. 

My pledge has been, and continues to be, that Onalaska High School will be the building that our community and our students deserve. Though timelines change, I remain steadfast to that promise.

As we enter the construction phase, we will keep you apprised of the goings-on of the project. We eagerly anticipate opening the doors of Onalaska High School. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to make our promise of growing, every kid, every day a reality.