Cuba City board votes to appeal FEMA denial for $8.8 million safe‑room grant; performing‑arts use eyed

Cuba City School Board members voted Tuesday to submit an administrative appeal to FEMA after being told a previously anticipated $8.8 million BRIC (brick) grant for a community safe room was denied.

The board heard a detailed presentation from Jordan Bus, who recapped communications with Wisconsin Emergency Management and FEMA and described a timeline of events beginning in late April when the state told districts that FEMA indicated a scope-of-work change. Bus said the district had proceeded with construction plans after receiving notice the grant was canceled and that Wisconsin Emergency Management believes the denial was in error. “I believe FEMA has made a drastic error in handling this,” Bus said, describing state support for an appeal and ongoing outreach to federal lawmakers’ offices.

Bus told the board an appeal could be prepared quickly: the district would have 60 days from the notice receipt to file, and FEMA typically has 90 days to respond to an appeal. He told board members the state has prepared materials and that staff could submit the appeal on the district’s behalf. Bus said if the appeal succeeds the district would then request a scope revision — for example, to locate the safe room where it would also serve daily uses such as a performing‑arts center — and complete the environmental and historic preservation reviews already begun.

Superintendent Aaron and other board members stressed the practical tradeoffs. Aaron noted the district has about $3 million in additional interest held since the grant was first expected, and that administration sees a performing‑arts center as a possible single missing element of the project. Some board members expressed concern about long‑term operating costs and whether classroom space would be a higher priority than a performing‑arts facility.

After discussion the board approved a motion to submit the administrative appeal; the recorded vote was 6–1 in favor. Kent voted yes; Schwiger/Schwagger cast the lone no; Joel, Bar, White, Bowden and Andrews voted yes.

What’s next: staff said they would prepare and submit the appeal promptly. If FEMA reverses its decision, the district would then work with architects and state reviewers on a scope‑revision subapplication and on the award documents; that process could include new design work and separate bidding for construction and professional services.

The board also asked administration to monitor timelines and return with recommendations about whether to pause specific purchases (for example, seating or stage work) while the appeal is pending. The board discussed but did not decide whether to adjust other construction phasing because of the appeal. The board’s motion directs administration to move forward with the appeal process.