Construction of NOSD addition to start Feb. 18

Construction of an addition to Northern Ozaukee schools will begin next week, nearly a year after voters authorized the $14.95 million project in a referendum.

A crane has already been parked for several days in front of the building that houses the high school and middle and elementary schools.

On Friday, construction fencing will be erected and, weather permitting, construction on the addition will begin Monday, Feb. 18, district Supt. Dave Karrels said. That fencing will alter normal traffic patterns beginning Monday.

The 16,000-square-foot addition to the east side of Ozaukee High School will consist of a new high school entrance, cafeteria and kitchen. The cafeteria and kitchen will also serve Ozaukee Elementary and Middle schools.

Some work will begin inside the existing school this spring, including removing asbestos tiles during spring break, Karrels said. 

The current cafeteria will be converted to an auditorium with sloped theater-style seating. The existing kitchen will become a dressing room and staging area for performances.

The new cafeteria will double as a practice gym. The current gym will remain.

Karrels said the plan is for the addition and much of the inside work to be completed before school starts in the fall. Other interior work will be phased in over time, he said.

The plan for the addition and to upgrade facilities was approved in an April 2018 referendum by 64% of voters.