ANNUAL REPORT 2026
WHAT’S NEXT STARTS HERE Celebrating the achievements of today while preparing students for tomorrow
ALL SCHOOLS
EARNED THE STATE’S HIGHEST REPORT CARD RATING
#1 DISTRICT
WISCONSIN’S TOP-RANKED PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT BY NICHE.COM
BOARD APPROVES 20-YEAR FACILITIES PLAN AND $100M NOVEMBER REFERENDUM QUESTION As we celebrate a remarkable year of accomplishments across Elmbrook, we are also charting the course for our future. In August 2025, our Board of Education launched a comprehensive, multi-step planning process to identify and address district facility needs. This rigorous effort culminated in the Board’s approval of a 20-Year Facilities Plan and a $100 million referendum resolution for the November 2026 ballot.
1
FACILITY ASSESSMENTS Independent experts inspected every school for safety, infrastructure, and learning space needs.
2
FLAGGED MAJOR NEEDS We separated routine maintenance from high-cost projects that exceed our annual budget.
Aaa RATING
EARNED MOODY’S HIGHEST POSSIBLE CREDIT RATING
REFERENDUM TIMELINE AUG
2025
JUNE
16
2026
JULY
14
2026
Board launches Facilities Planning process
Board approved 20-Year Facilities Plan
Board voted to place $100 million referendum question on the ballot
3
APPLIED DISTRICT STANDARDS We evaluated all schools against Elmbrook's safety and classroom size guidelines alongside enrollment trends.
4
EVALUATED SOLUTIONS Industry experts helped develop concept plans, financing options, and risk-adjusted cost estimates.
5
FILTERED PRIORITIES To minimize costs, we prioritized renovations over new construction and delayed lower-impact projects.
6
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK In an April 2026 survey of 2,941 residents, 67% of likely voters backed this $100 million, four-school plan.
OTE
NOV 3 2026
Community Vote on the Referendum
BUILDING WHAT’S NEXT
E
LS
FACILITIES PLAN AND REFERENDUM
OOK SCHO BR O LM
OTE
R
EF
02
6
THE DUAL-INVESTMENT STRATEGY
NOV 3 ER
The 20-Year Facilities Plan establishes a dual-funding strategy designed to impact all district facilities while protecting Elmbrook from the rising costs of maintenance and repair for its aging facilities.
ENDUM 2
$100 MILLION REFERENDUM 4 PRIORITY SCHOOLS
OPERATING BUDGET ALL DISTRICT FACILITIES
Built between 1958 and 1969: Pilgrim Park Middle School, Wisconsin Hills Middle School, Swanson Elementary and Tonawanda Elementary.
Planned over the next 15 years: $90 Million from the District's operating budget and savings.
Investment Includes:.
Budget Sustains:.
Address Aging Facility Needs
Ongoing Maintenance
ADA Improvements
Safety Refreshes
Classroom Renovations
Technology Updates
Create Dedicated Support Spaces
Facility and Program Improvements This balanced financial approach ensures that large-scale renovations at high-priority buildings do not drain the day-to-day resources necessary to maintain the rest of the district's facilities.
Prioritized needs exceed regular annual operating budget thresholds.
UNDERSTANDING THE FINANCIAL AND TAX IMPACT Tax Stabilization Strategy: To minimize the impact on taxpayers, the referendum has been timed alongside the retirement of past community investments, while maximizing long-term infrastructure stability. MILL RATE IMPACT The projected 2028 debt mill rate with the proposed referendum is compared to the current 2025 debt mill rate, illustrating a net increase of $0.11.
$5
$.56
$6.37
$6.26
$.67
NET MILL RATE IMPACT
IF REFERENDUM IS NOT PASSED BY 2028
IF REFERENDUM APPROVED NET INCREASE OVER THE CURRENT DEBT MILL RATE
NET DECREASES AS THE 2008 DEBT EXPIRES
+$11
-$56
PER $100,000 OF PROPERTY VALUE
PER $100,000 OF PROPERTY VALUE
+$0.11
$5.70
THE FINANCIAL OUTCOME OF THE VOTE REPRESENTS TWO DISTINCT PATHS FOR ELMBROOK PROPERTY OWNERS:
$5.70
ESTIMATED* TOTAL COST OF REFERENDUM $0
2025
DISTRICT OPERATING LEVY
2028 | $100 MILLION REFERENDUM IMPACT DEBT PAYMENT
$100
$65.8*
$165.8
PRINCIPAL
ESTIMATED INTEREST
TOTAL LIFETIME REPAYMENT
MILLION
MILLION
MILLION
BUILDING WHAT’S NEXT, FOR THE STUDENTS OF TOMORROW
*Assumes 20-year bonds with a conservative 5%-5.25% interest rate.
ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
$100 MILLION REFERENDUM | 4 PRIORITY SCHOOLS
SCHOOL PROJECT PROFILES
FACILITY TOURS
These projects are intended to modernize learning spaces, improve accessibility and safety, and ensure these schools continue serving students and the community for decades to come.
PILGRIM PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL 1500 Pilgrim Parkway 6PM - 7PM
PILGRIM PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL
SEPTEMBER 23 OCTOBER 7
Built in 1958 2025 Enrollment: 915 Facility Capacity: 1,146
WISCONSIN HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL 18700 West Wisconsin Avenue 6PM - 7PM
SEPTEMBER 17 OCTOBER 20
Cost Estimate Light Renovation
Heavy Renovation
Addition
$50,368,000
Update to current ADA accessibility standards Expand gym to a middle school-standard, two court facility Update art, wood and tech classrooms Improve traffic flow and light renovations in all classrooms
SWANSON ELEMENTARY
305 North Calhoun Rd 6PM - 7PM
WISCONSIN HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
SEPTEMBER 16 OCTOBER 14 TONAWANDA ELEMENTARY
13605 Underwood River Pkwy 6PM - 7PM
SEPTEMBER 15 OCTOBER 15
Built in 1969
Update robotics, wood, art and tech classrooms
2025 Enrollment: 854 Facility Capacity: 1,155
Update music area to current ADA accessibility standards
Cost Estimate Light RenovationHeavy Renovation Heavy RenovationAdditionAddition Light Renovation
$6,389,000
Remodel cafeteria for instruction and community use
VIRTUAL EVENTS
elmbrookschools.org/ref26
SWANSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
AUGUST 24
6PM - 7PM
Built in 1960
OCTOBER 12
6PM - 7PM
2025 Enrollment: 785 Facility Capacity: 995
Redesign academic support spaces Remodel library and large learning spaces Light renovation in all classrooms (ceiling, lighting, paint, flooring)
Cost Estimate Light RenovationHeavy Renovation Heavy RenovationAdditionAddition Light Renovation
A tax impact calculator and project details are available on the district website
$9,526,000
TONAWANDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Built in 1969 2025 Enrollment: 518 Facility Capacity: 565
Cost Estimate elmbrookschools.org/referendum
Light Renovation
Heavy Renovation
Addition
$33,717,000
Replace open-concept classroom layout for focus and safety Expand undersized classrooms Create academic support spaces Add two classrooms to increase enrollment capacity for future flexibility
Discover more stories and highlights at annualreport.elmbrookschools.org
ACHIEVING WHAT’S NEXT
ACADEMIC AND STUDENT SUCCESS
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
89
2024-25 STATE REPORT CARD SCORE
SCHOOL
SCORE
Brookfield Elementary
98.1
Burleigh Elementary
96.6
Dixon Elementary
88.0
Swanson Elementary
87.6
Tonawanda Elementary
88.5
Pilgrim Park Middle
90.2
Wisconsin Hills Middle
85.6
Brookfield Central High
88.4
Elmbrook earned an 84.8 Brookfield East High impressive 89 on the 2024–25 State Report Card, ranking third among Wisconsin 4K–12 districts with over 2,500 students. Elmbrook remains one of only three districts in the state to maintain the top rating every year—and for the first time ever, all nine Elmbrook schools individually achieved the highest distinction of:
SIGNIFICANTLY EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS SCHOOLS OF RECOGNITION The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction recognized two Elmbrook schools as 2024–25 Wisconsin Schools of Recognition, honoring outstanding academic achievement. BURLEIGH ELEMENTARY High Achieving & High Progress PILGRIM PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL High Achieving
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
ALLISON URBAN, a special education teacher at Pilgrim Park Middle School, was named a 2026 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Her recognition celebrates her dedication to inclusive education and her impact on students, families, and the broader school community
ACHIEVING WHAT’S NEXT
ARTS & CO-CURRICULARS BACK-TO-BACK
STATE CHAMPIONS BROOKFIELD CENTRAL GIRLS SOCCER Photo courtesy of David Barron
BACK-TO-BACK Three Elmbrook state champions successfully defended their titles in 2025–26: BCHS Girls Soccer, BEHS Girls Tennis, and BCHS track and field athlete Kyenret Rinkam in the 100-Meter dash.
INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONS
BROOKFIELD EAST
KYENRET RINKAM
WIAA D1 Girls Tennis Team Champions
WIAA D1 Girls Track 100 & 200-Meter Champion
(BCHS ‘27)
CO-CURRICULAR STATE CHAMPIONS
PAYTON HAUGEN (BEHS ‘26)
WIAA D1 Girls Golf Champion and State Record Holder
TEAM HAZMAT
BROOKFIELD CENTRAL
TEAM B.U.I.L.D.
WISCONSIN HILLS
FTC ROBOTICS
CAROLINE WANEZEK
MOCK TRAIL
(BEHS ‘26)
WIAA D1 Girls Swim 100-Yard Butterfly Champion
CAROLINE RASTER
(BEHS ‘26)
FLL ROBOTICS
WIAA D1 Girls Tennis Singles Individual Champion
JAKE ZHENG (’26) & RYKER KOCH (’27) Brookfield East
WIAA D1 Boys Tennis Doubles Champions
17
JERRY AWARDS
SCIENCE BOWL
Brookfield Central and Brookfield East earned a combined 17 Jerry Awards for their productions of SOMETHING ROTTEN, LITTLE WOMEN, and PIPPIN through Wisconsin's statewide high school musical theater recognition program.
Discover more stories and highlights at annualreport.elmbrookschools.org
CELEBRATING WHAT’S NEXT
EMBRACING OPPORTUNITY
FUTURE-READY GRADUATES
655
2026 GRADUATES
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS Brookfield Central seniors VAIDEHI RAMACHANDRULA and RIANA WOLOSEK were named semifinalists in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The two were among only 12 students selected as semifinalists from Wisconsin this year.
$14.6M $9.8M TUITION AVOIDANCE
SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
VICTOR HAN
KRISHA PAKALA
JAKE ZHENG
CAREENA EVENSON
Victor, a National Merit Scholar, BCHS salutatorian and Top 300 Regeneron Scholar, developed an AI-powered diagnostic and rehabilitation system for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Krisha, a National Merit Scholar, BCHS valedictorian, two-time state soccer champion and Tyro editor, excelled in academics, athletics and student leadership.
Jake, a National Merit Scholar, BEHS valedictorian, state tennis champion and HOPE Squad member, combined academic excellence with leadership and service.
Careena, a Jerry Award recipient, 'Future Teachers' student, cheer team member and vice president of Genesis (Brookfield East’s treble a cappella group) plans to pursue music education.
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP KAY KOEPSEL-BENNING
CINDY LAKATOS
Kay, recipient of the 2026 WEMTA Excellence Award, was recognized for her contributions and leadership in the library profession.
Cindy, recipient of the 2026 WSCA Changemaker Award, was recognized for her leadership and impact in supporting students.
District
Pilgrim Park MS
ELMBROOK RETIREE CLASS OF 2026
CELEBRATING & SUPPORTING WHAT’S NEXT
SUPPORTING WHAT’S NEXT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
24,000
$1.4M
HOURS OF COMMUNITY FACILITY USE Throughout the year, District facilities provide space for thousands of community activities, programs, and events.
IN COMMUNITY GIFTS TO ELMBROOK in 2025-26
The annual English Learner Family Engagement Night is one of many community events hosted in District facilities throughout the year.
PARTNERS IN LEARNING Elmbrook’s LAUNCH program connects students with community mentors and business partners through profession-aligned, project-based learning, providing authentic workplace experiences while helping local organizations solve real-world challenges.
319
COACHES & MENTORS
175
ORGANIZATIONAL-SPONSORED PROJECTS
240
INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS EARNED
ELMBROOK EDUCATION FOUNDATION $75,000 RAISED FOR UNIFIED SPORTS The Elmbrook Education Foundation raised $75,000 to sustain and expand Unified Sports, supporting students with and without disabilities through shared athletic experiences.
406 STUDENTS 76 VOLUNTEERS The Foundation’s Intergenerational Reading Program, connects community volunteers with young learners to strengthen reading skills and build meaningful relationships.
LAUNCH MEDICINE & HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY IMPACT Students gain hands-on healthcare experience through partnerships with Ascension Elmbrook Hospital, Brookfield Regency Senior Community, and Discovery Commons Brookfield. These experiences build career-ready skills while connecting students with patients, residents, and healthcare professionals.
Discover more stories and highlights at annualreport.elmbrookschools.org
GUIDING WHAT’S NEXT
BOARD LEADERSHIP ACADEMIC SCHEDULING Following extensive community engagement, the Board approved a new Middle School Schedule and School Start Times for the 2027–28 school year at its April meeting. These changes expand learning opportunities while prioritizing student well-being and academic success. SCHOOL START & END TIMES FOR 2027-28 • High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:35 - 2:41 • Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:10 - 3:25 • Elementary School. . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 - 3:58
BUDGET HEARING AND ANNUAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 28TH | 6:00 PM BROOKFIELD CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 16900 Gebhardt Rd, Brookfield, WI
2,941
COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS
Total Respondents
(4) GREAT, (3) GOOD, (2) FAIR, (1) POOR OVERALL SCORE
PERCENT “GREAT” OR “GOOD”
NATIONAL PERCENTILE
Delivering a High-Quality Education
3.67
96%
99th
Managing Funds Appropriately
3.32
85%
99th
Building Pride in the Community
3.47
90%
99th
Keeping the Public Informed
3.27
84%
95th
EVALUATION ITEM
2026-27 PRELIMINARY BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
BALANCED BUDGET
$118,693, 150
FUNDING SOURCES 62.0% 36.3% 1.7 %
7,870
PROJECTED ENROLLMENT
Local Property Taxes State Sources Federal/Other
65.7% SALARIES & BENEFITS General Fund
BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCOTT WHEELER President
WES SYLLA
Vice President
MARY WACKER Treasurer
JENNIFER ROSKOPF Clerk
JEAN LAMBERT Area IV
CHERYL MILNES At Large
ELIZABETH THEIS At Large