Be a voter for Elmbrook kids.
Vote YES for the Elmbrook School District Capital Referendum on Tuesday, November 3 and invest in the future of Elmbrook.
Check out Elmbrook's 2026 Overview Here
Check out Elmbrook's 2026 Overview Here
Four Schools. One Vote.
Built in 1969, Wisconsin Hills needs to:
Update robotics, woods, art, and technology classrooms to meet current curriculum standards
Improve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility in the music area
Remodel the cafeteria for large-group instruction and community use
Built in 1960, Swanson needs to:
Redesign academic support spaces and improve ADA Accessibility
Remodel the library and large learning areas for classroom instruction and community use
Light renovation in all classrooms (new ceiling tiles, lighting, paint, and flooring)
Built in 1958, Pilgrim Park needs to:
Light renovation in all classrooms (replace ceiling tiles and flooring, update lighting, and paint)
Address ADA accessibility issues in the music and gym areas
Expand the gym to accommodate three simultaneous classes due to growing enrollment
Update robotics, woods, art, and technology classrooms to meet curriculum standards
Improve traffic flow on Pilgrim Parkway and reduce congestion around the school site
Built in 1969, Tonawanda needs to:
Replace the open-concept layout with classroom walls to improve student focus and safety
Expand classroom sizes to meet current District space standards
Redesign parts of the building to align with current District security standards
The question on the ballot:
“Shall the School District of Elmbrook, Waukesha County, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $100,000,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project at Pilgrim Park Middle School, Tonawanda Elementary School, Swanson Elementary School and Wisconsin Hills Middle School consisting of: renovations, accessibility updates, building infrastructure and site improvements; construction of additions at Pilgrim Park Middle School; construction of an addition at Tonawanda Elementary School; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment?”
What No Means
Buildings continue aging. Maintenance becomes reactive and expensive. Construction costs increase by approximately 4% annually. Delay these fixes by a decade and you're looking at up to 50% higher costs. Families choose other districts. Property values stagnate. Will your taxes go down a little? Yeah. But that's not protecting Elmbrook. That's letting it slip.
What will it cost?
$100 million dollars is the number on the ballot.
Impact Calculator
Understanding Your Tax Bill
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Every town needs money for schools, police, fire trucks, and roads. They can't just ask you for a random amount - so long ago they came up with a fair system.
Here's how it works:
A mill rate is like a tax on your house. One mill = $1 for every $1,000 your house is worth.
If your house is worth $300,000 and the mill rate is 6.26, here's the math:
Your house = $300,000
Break that into thousands: $300,000 ÷ 1,000 = 300 “thousands"
Multiply by the mill rate: 300 × $6.26 = $1,878/year
If your neighbor's house is worth $600,000 (double yours):
Their house = 600 “thousands”
600 × $6.26 = $3,756/year (about double what you pay)
Why is this fair?
Everyone pays the same rate (6.26 mills). But people with more expensive houses pay more dollars because their house is worth more.
Here's an easy way to think about it:
Imagine apples at the grocery store cost $2 per pound.
You buy 5 pounds of apples → you pay $10.
Your friend buys 10 pounds of apples → they pay $20.Same price per pound for everyone. Different total cost because you bought different amounts.
A mill rate works exactly the same way.
Everyone in Elmbrook pays 6.26 mills per $1,000 of home value.
You have a $300,000 home → you pay $1,878/year.
Your neighbor has a $600,000 home → they pay $3,756/year.Same rate for everyone. Bigger house = bigger tax bill. That's it.
Voices of Elmbrook agree:
“Our family is supporting this referendum because we want every child to have the opportunity to learn in a school that is safe, welcoming, and equipped to meet their needs. As parents of a child who uses a walker, we know firsthand how much accessible, thoughtfully designed spaces matter. The much-needed improvements to our elementary and middle schools will make classrooms, hallways, and play areas more accessible—not only for students like our child, but also for parents, teachers, staff, and visitors who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility equipment. Investing in comfortable, accessible learning environments is an investment in every student’s ability to learn, grow, and succeed, and it’s one our community can be proud to make.”
Sarah, Tonawanda Parent“Elmbrook is a destination district. Our property values and reputation depend on having schools that match what we're selling the community. These four buildings need updating. Yes to Elmbrook makes sure they're ready for the next generation."
Maddie S, Elmbrook Parent“Our son is in 3K at Burliegh and will later attend Tonawanda and Pilgrim Park. He uses a walker and a wheelchair, so the ADA upgrades will make a significant difference for him every day.
I previously worked for a commercial general contractor on school projects which included ADA updates. Back then, i saw these requirements as added complexity. Now, as a parent, I understand how essential and life-changing they truly are"
Tim O - Elm GroveAs a mom of an elementary school student, I support the Elmbrook referendum because we chose to live here for the exceptional schools Strong schools give our children incredible opportunities, strengthen our community, and help protect the value of our homes. I want to see Elmbrook continue to be a place where families are proud to live and work".”
Laura H, Elmbrook Parent“These improvements are needed to meet ADA standards. (Americans Disabilities Act). Pilgrim Park Middle School has no way for someone in a Wheelchair to get to their classes. The same with Swanson and Townanda. This Referendum also includes improving safety across the four schools. Elmbrook School District is one of the few School Districts actually experiencing an enrollment increase.”
Jeremy A, Brookfield Resident“As a Brookfield resident and a parent of two children that went to high school and graduated in the Elmbrook school district I would support this. It’s a great district, it has been a very long time since they had a referendum, and it is needed.
Amy S, Brookfield Resident“One of my favorite events at Pilgrim Park is the choir concert where BEHS choir students join the Pilgrim Park students. This musical event spotlights the incredibly talented students in our district, however, Pilgrim Park gym no longer accommodates this fantastic event. Space is an issue, and the out of date facilities make it hard to see students showcase their talents. If we had a larger gymnasium, this event would be elevated….”
Megan, Elmbrook Parent“Please raise my taxes for this. We have gotten used to paying so little in Brookfield and Waukesha county in general, and have maintained extremely high standards of living and education. However, cost of everything keeps rising and at some point we need to chip in to maintain our edge”
Blake, Brookfield Resident“Our kids went through the Elmbrook school system many years ago, but this seems like a very small price to pay to maintain the excellent quality of education our community is known for.”
Joanne, Brookfield Resident