By Jalen Maki

Tomahawk Leader Editor

TOMAHAWK – Two firms will assist the School District of Tomahawk in its continuing efforts to place a referendum on April 2022 ballots.

The firms were recommended by the board’s ad hoc committee, which was created last month to oversee the referendum planning process. The committee is made up of board members Ron Zimmerman, Dick Huseby, Shar Kirsch, Deb Velleux and Dave Long.

Interim District Administrator Joe Innis said Quarles & Brady LLP, a law firm with roughly 475 attorneys practicing in offices around the country, including in Madison and Milwaukee, will work with the district to ensure that legal requirements regarding the referendum resolution and ballot question language are met.

During the meeting, the board also voted to hire a firm to lend a hand in communication and planning.

Innis said three firms had been interviewed for the opportunity to aid the district on that front, and the committee ultimately recommended Donovan Group, a firm that offers school communication services. The firm’s headquarters are located in Milwaukee.

The board voted unanimously to hire both firms.

Although the referendum planning process is ongoing, no official action has been taken by the board to put a spending request on spring ballots. The board must make an official decision by Jan. 2022.