Eau Claire Schools Seek Bond for Building Improvements

Proposals include HVAC repairs and roof work at aging facilities

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:00pm

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Eau Claire Public Schools is asking voters to approve two ballot proposals in May, including a $7.09 million bond to fund infrastructure upgrades at district buildings. The bond would pay for HVAC repairs, roof work, and other improvements at the elementary and middle/high school, with the district noting many of the systems are over 60 years old and in need of replacement.

Why it matters

The school district has struggled to pass bond measures in recent years, but says these basic infrastructure repairs are critical to maintaining safe and functional facilities for students and staff. Passing the bond would help the district address longstanding issues with aging buildings and equipment.

The details

The bond proposal would be a 20-year, 2.39 mill levy that the district estimates would cost the average homeowner about $22 per month. Assistant Superintendent Phil Brackett says the district has 'stripped previous proposals down as much as we possibly can' to focus only on the most essential needs, like replacing HVAC systems that frequently break down in the winter. The bond would supplement a renewal of the district's existing operating millage, which covers day-to-day expenses.

  • The bond and operating millage renewal proposals will be on the May 2026 ballot.
  • The district's current operating millage is set to expire and require renewal.

The players

Eau Claire Public Schools

The public school district serving the city of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Phil Brackett

Assistant Superintendent of Operations for Eau Claire Public Schools, overseeing the district's infrastructure and facilities.

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What they’re saying

“We've attempted a number of times over the past few years to pass a millage and have been unsuccessful. And so we've really stripped previous proposals down as much as we possibly can. This is really a bare bones kind of a ask.”

— Phil Brackett, Assistant Superintendent of Operations

“At 2.39 mills, if it does pass, that levy rate will still be one of the lowest levy rates in the county, even after the passage of that bond. So we feel like it's a reasonable ask, and we know that times are tough and everybody's in difficult positions these days, but this is something that we really need to have in order to be able to make those kinds of repairs.”

— Phil Brackett, Assistant Superintendent of Operations

What’s next

Voters in the Eau Claire Public Schools district will decide on the bond proposal and operating millage renewal in the May 2026 election.

The takeaway

After multiple failed attempts, Eau Claire Public Schools is taking a targeted approach with its latest bond request, focusing solely on critical infrastructure upgrades like aging HVAC systems and roofing. The district is hoping voters will see the necessity of these basic facility improvements, even in a challenging economic climate.