The Bayfield community voted to invest in its future by passing a $7.7 million referendum to improve school facilities—and we’re proud to be a part of it.
At DSGW Architecture, we know that not every project is about glossy renderings and Instagram-worthy spaces. Sometimes, the most impactful work lies in the behind-the-scenes systems—like HVAC, fire suppression, and accessible bathrooms—that make schools safer, more comfortable, and more equitable for everyone.
Together with our long-time partners at Kraus-Anderson, we’ll be working to bring these much-needed updates to life for the Bayfield School District.
This is what modern school facility design looks like: focused on safety, wellness, inclusivity, and long-term value for communities—especially in rural regions where resources are limited but expectations for quality should never be.
A Community That Showed Up
The Bayfield School District referendum passed by a margin of 179 votes, reflecting the passion and advocacy of those who believe deeply in the power of education. This wasn’t a decision made lightly—voters chose to raise their own taxes to create a better, safer, more functional environment for students and staff.
The referendum allows the district to issue up to $7.7 million in general obligation bonds to pay for:
- District-wide capital maintenance
- Roof replacement and HVAC upgrades
- Installation of a fire suppression system
- Accessibility improvements
- Renovations to LaPointe Elementary School
- Acquisition of furnishings, fixtures, and equipment
This isn’t just a win for the school—it’s a sign that Bayfield residents see long-term investments in their public schools as essential to the vitality of their town.
And they’re right. Safe, efficient, and inclusive learning environments are proven to support better educational outcomes, stronger staff retention, and deeper community engagement.
What We’re Tackling First
The first priorities are safety and infrastructure. Some of the updates may not be visible to the naked eye, but they’re vital to day-to-day operations.
- Fire Suppression System: The Bayfield School building does not currently have a sprinkler system. That’s a risk we’re happy to see go away. This upgrade brings the building up to modern life safety code and offers peace of mind to staff, students, and families.
- Roof Replacement: A leaky roof can lead to costly interior damage, poor air quality, and structural problems. Replacing it now ensures the long-term health of the building—and everyone inside it.
- HVAC Overhaul: Quality air ventilation has always mattered, but the pandemic underscored just how vital it is to health and learning. Upgrading the system also improves energy efficiency, reduces operating costs, and ensures consistent comfort through northern Wisconsin’s weather extremes.
- Accessibility Upgrades: Every student, educator, and visitor deserves a space that meets their physical needs. Improving ADA accessibility is an equity move and a best practice for any school facility.
- New Caf-nasium: A creative, multi-functional space that doubles as both a cafeteria and a gymnasium. In a smaller district, multipurpose spaces allow students to get the full educational experience—lunch, gym, assemblies, performances—without expanding the building footprint.
Fun Fact: School by Ferry
One of the most unique aspects of this project? We’re renovating LaPointe Elementary, a 15-student K–5 public school located on Madeline Island—only accessible by ferry. Every material, tool, and person involved in the renovation has to make the trip across Lake Superior, adding a logistical twist you don’t find in most school projects. It’s small in size but big on creativity, problem-solving, and community impact.
A Trusted Partnership for Rural Schools
DSGW Architecture and Kraus-Anderson have a long-standing relationship, built on shared values and a mutual commitment to high-quality work in smaller communities. Together, we’ve worked on educational and healthcare projects across the region that bring big-city standards to rural districts.
“Kraus-Anderson is proud to continue our partnership with DSGW to support Bayfield’s commitment to its students,” said [Insert KA Representative Name & Title]. “Together, we bring the kind of collaboration and expertise that delivers real value—without compromise, even in tight markets.”
We believe deeply in rural school architecture. Not because it’s easy—it often requires creative thinking and careful budgeting—but because it matters.
When students walk into a space that’s designed for them, that’s accessible, comfortable, and safe, it sets the tone for everything else.
A Look at Our Other Work in Education
Bayfield is the latest in a long line of school projects where we’ve been privileged to help reimagine educational spaces that support 21st-century learning, community values, and long-term stewardship.
- Rock Ridge High School (Virginia, MN) – A consolidation project that brought multiple schools together into a single facility with modern technology, collaboration zones, and spaces that reflect the culture of the Iron Range. It’s built for flexibility, mentorship, and community.
- Hayward Community Schools (Hayward, WI) – An update to aging infrastructure with a focus on creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments. This included major renovations to school security, CTE spaces, supporting wellness, STEM learning, and future adaptability.
- Floodwood School (Floodwood, MN) – A small-town district with big goals. We worked to modernize its K-12 spaces, integrating natural daylighting, flexible furniture, and updates to safety and HVAC systems.
- LaPointe Elementary School (Madeline Island, WI) – As part of this referendum, we’ll also be working to remove hazardous materials and improve learning environments for students on the island. Yes, you read that right—we design island schools, too.
Designing K-12 Schools for the Future
K-12 schools aren’t just buildings—they’re long-term public assets. Everything we design is guided by durability, flexibility, and wellness. That’s why our school design process focuses on:
- Safe Learning Environments
- High-Performance HVAC and Energy Efficiency
- Universal Design and Accessibility
- Flexible Learning Spaces
- Healthy Materials & Improved Air Quality
- Infrastructure Upgrades to Reduce Long-Term Costs
When rural schools get the same design thinking as their metro counterparts, the results are tangible: better student outcomes, increased staff satisfaction, and facilities that double as community hubs.
Meaningful Impact in Rural Education Initiatives
DSGW and Kraus-Anderson are committed to delivering a project that reflects the pride communities have in their schools.
Designing for education isn’t always glamorous—but it’s always meaningful. We look forward to working alongside district leaders, staff, and the community to create learning environments that are safe, practical, and built for the future.
(Don’t post anything below this – it’s my notes in case if they end up doing more in the project)
What Is a Caf-nasium?
Let’s be honest: it sounds like something from a Dr. Seuss book.
A Caf-nasium is a multipurpose space that combines a cafeteria and a gymnasium. And yes, it’s as practical as it sounds.
In smaller school districts, combining two large-function spaces into one allows for:
✅ Better use of square footage
✅ Lower construction and maintenance costs
✅ Easier transitions between lunch and PE (or community events, concerts, and more)
No, you won’t be eating lunch under the basketball hoop (we’ve thought this through). These spaces are designed with flexibility in mind—complete with soundproofing, movable walls, and finishes that can handle sneakers and spaghetti equally well.
It’s one of our favorite examples of thoughtful school design for rural districts—where square footage is precious, but expectations are high.
