Rising Costs, Low State Funding Results Forces Districts to Referendum
On April 4, there are 53 districts asking voters to fund local schools beyond what the state allows — another clear sign Governor Tony Evers’ proposal to use some of Wisconsin’s $7 billion surplus to boost per-pupil spending is the right thing to do.
“Taxpayers are voting to raise their taxes election after election since the state continues to shirk it’s responsibility to fund public schools,” said teacher and WEAC President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen. “Wisconsin is in a position to reset, providing a once-in-a-generation commitment to students. Educators and parents stand squarely behind the governor’s budget plan and will be there every step of the way to see it through.”
Depsite rising inflation and increasing costs, funding for schools has been frozen in three of the last four budgets and revenue limits for districts have been frozen. Federal funding, which prevented some severe cuts, has ended and local schools won’t be able to plug the gaps under current state and local funding sources.
“Whether a parent, secretary, teacher, superintendent, board member or principal – we all have a stake in the future of our students and public schools,” Wirtz-Olsen said. “State funding is essential to stabilizing our public schools.” Wirtz-Olsen is working to support
Agreeing to a set of principles encompassing our shared values will make all the difference for rebuilding the education workforce and presenting a united voice for public education at the state and national levels.
School boards are looking at maintenance needs, upkeep and upgrades and weighing decisions on whether to wait or borrow the funds now. Schools are experiencing increased project costs increase due to inflation, an increase in supply needs and interest rates. Schools may be choosing to go to referendum now to offset expanding inflation, economic pressures, and to provide some predictability in their budgeting given the level of commitment of state funding is still unknown and planning for the next school year is well under way.
Below is the list of referendums provided by The Wheeler Report:
- 82 school referendum scheduled for the April 4 ballot.
- 29 Referendum to issue debt ($674,915,000)
- 10 Referendum to exceed the cap on a recurring basis ($40,840,000)
- 43 Referendum to exceed the cap on a non-recurring basis ($432,911,000)
| District | District Name | Total Amount | Type | Brief Description |
| APPROVED | Adams-Friendship Area | $12,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | To exceed revenue cap $3,000,000 for 4 years beginning 2023-2024. |
| REJECTED | Altoona | $26,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Buying building and improvement to building and other district-wide maintenance, infrastructure and site improvements. |
| REJECTED | Arcadia | $2,250,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Referendum question to exceed the revenue cap in the amount of $750,000 each year for three years beginning with the tax levy year of 2023 and ending with the tax levy year of 2025. |
| APPROVED | Ashwaubenon | $19,500,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Operational referendum 5 year |
| APPROVED | Athens | $5,270,000.00 | NR – 2023 | RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES |
| REJECTED | Auburndale | $1,200,000.00 | NR – 2023 | For a non-recurring referendum to exceed the revenue cap in the amount of $600,000 for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. |
| 0287 | Barneveld | $3,450,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Operating Costs and Maintenance |
| 0413 | Beloit | $19,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction and district-wide capital maintenance improvements including roofing and building infrastructure updates to heating, ventilation, and cooling system, safety and exterior upgrades, and renovations to athletic facilities at Beloit Memorial High School. |
| 0413 | Beloit | $23,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed the revenue limit by $14,000,000 in 2023-24 and $9,000,000 in 2024-25 for operational and maintenance expenses, including for technology, curriculum and instructional materials, and social and emotional behavioral programs. |
| 0434 | Berlin Area | $12,500,000.00 | NR – 2023 | 5 year nonrecurring operational 2,500,000 |
| 0434 | Berlin Area | $20,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Debt Issue of $20,000,000 |
| 0485 | Blair-Taylor | $4,500,000.00 | NR – 2023 | The purpose of the non-recurring referendum is to maintain current operations and opportunities for our students, attract and retain staff, rebuild our fund balance. |
| 0609 | Boscobel | $21,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | To pay the cost of $21,500,000 for the public purpose of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of renovations and construction of additions and a gymnasium at the MS/HS. |
| 0658 | Brillion | $4,380,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Resolution to Exceed Revenue Cap Commencing with the 2023-2023 School Year (3YR) |
| 0665 | Bristol #1 | $2,400,000.00 | NR – 2023 | 3-year non-recurring Operational Referendum to exceed the revenue limit by $800,000 per year beginning with the 2023-2024 school year and ending with the 2025-2026 school year consisting of expenses to sustain and maintain current operational and maintenance practices. |
| 0777 | Burlington Area | $24,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed revenue limit by $8 million per year for 3 years non-recurring for operational and maintenance expenses |
| 0870 | Cadott Community | $9,965,000.00 | Issue Debt | For the purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project at the Junior/Senior High School |
| 0896 | Cambridge | $2,400,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Recurring operational referendum: sustain class size, curriculum, technology, school safety and retain highly qualified staff. |
| 0903 | Cameron | $6,100,000.00 | Issue Debt | Referendum not to exceed $6,100,000 through the issuance of general obligation bonds of the District for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project consisting of: building systems, infrastructure and capital maintenance improvements at the Middle and High Schools; secure entrance improvements and main office remodeling at the Elementary, Middle and High Schools; school bus and district vehicle replacement; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. |
| 1309 | Deerfield Community | $49,700,000.00 | Issue Debt | Funds to be used to renovate and to build on additions to the existing Deerfield High School. |
| 1540 | East Troy Community | $9,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed the revenue limit by $3,000,000 per year beginning with the 2023-2024 school year and ending with the 2025-2026 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational expenses to help maintain existing programs and staffing. |
| 1638 | Elkhorn Area | $30,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | $6,000,000 per yearfor five years beginning with the 2023-2024 school year and ending with the 2027-2028 schoolyear, for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses related to maintaining currentinstructional programs and class sizes, staffing, ongoing safety and facility maintenance. |
| 1638 | Elkhorn Area | $500,000.00 | RR – 2023 | $500,000 beginningwith the 2023-2024 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of expenses related toproviding additional resources for the four-year-old kindergarten program. |
| 1883 | Fort Atkinson | $3,000,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Recurring Referendum for $3M beginning in 2023-24. |
| 1883 | Fort Atkinson | $20,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Non-recurring referendum for $5M per year for four years (FY24-FY27) |
| 2114 | Gibraltar Area | $29,800,000.00 | Issue Debt | School facility improvement project at the school building and site consisting of:renovations, safety and security, building infrastructure and building systems improvements; construction of additions for classrooms, offices and a replacement gymnasium; removal and replacement of older portions of the school building; site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. |
| 2576 | Horicon | $4,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Authorization to exceed the revenue limit by $800,000 for 5 years for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses. |
| 2611 | Hudson | $29,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | To pay for the costs of facility and grounds improvements to the EP Rock andNorth Hudson Elementary Schools and the Hudson Middle School and equipmentacquisition related to said projects. |
| 2611 | Hudson | $8,000,000.00 | RR – 2023 | The final school district budget shall include an amount of$8,000,000 each year in excess of the revenue limits imposed by Section 121.91 of theWisconsin Statutes commencing with the 2023-24 school year on a recurring basis for thepurpose of paying District operation, maintenance and staffing costs. |
| 2625 | Hustisford | $19,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | School building and facility improvement project consisting of consolidation into one PK-12 school facility |
| 2849 | La Crosse | $60,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Resolution authorizing the School District budget to exceed revenue limit for six years for non-recurring operational and maintenance expenses. |
| 2940 | Laona | $2,236,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed revenue limit for nonrecurring purposes |
| APPROVED | Loyal | $6,700,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Authorizing the School District budget to exceed revenue limit for five years for non-recurring purposes. |
| 3290 | Manitowoc | $61,700,000.00 | NR – 2023 | 5 Year Non-Recurring Referendum to Exceed the Revenue Cap for the Following Amounts Per Fiscal Year:2023-24 – $5,200,0002024-25 – $11,000,0002025-26 – $13,000,0002026-27 – $15,000,0002027-28 – $17,500,000 |
| 3318 | Marion | $6,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | Capital referendum not to exceed $6,900,000.00 to support safety & security upgrades, capital maintenance, building infrastructure & building systems improvements and furnishings, fixtures & equipment. |
| 3318 | Marion | $300,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Recurring referendum to exceed the revenue cap by $300,000.00 for operational expenses, including to sustain educational programming and services and expand course offerings and staff. |
| REJECTED | Marshfield | $99,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Shall the Unified School District of Marshfield, Wood, Marathon and Clark Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $99,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a district-wide school building and facility improvement project consisting of: construction of additions, including for a secure entrance, career and tech ed space, classrooms, student services, and cafeteria/commons and fitness areas, renovations and capital maintenance, building systems, infrastructure and site improvements at Marshfield High School; capital maintenance and building systems improvements at Marshfield Middle School; renovations and building systems, infrastructure, safety and site improvements at the elementary schools; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment? |
| 3484 | Mercer | $2,235,000.00 | NR – 2023 | A nonrecurring levy to support operations, programs and facilities of the Mercer School District. |
| 3612 | Milton | $9,500,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Authorization to increase the review limit by $4,000,000 for the 2023-2024 school year; by an additional $1,000,000 (for a total of $5,000,000) for the 2024-2025 school year; by an additional $1,000,000 (for a total of $6,000,000) for the 2025-2026 school year; and by an additional $3,500,000 for the 2026-2027 school year (for a total of $9,500,000 and to remain at this amount), for recurring purposes consisting of ongoing educational programming, staffing and maintenance expenses. |
| 3675 | Monona Grove | $13,800,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Authorization to exceed the revenue limit by $6,000,000 for the 2023-2024 school year; by an additional $1,600,000 for the 2024-2025 school year; and an additional $6,200,000 for the 2025-2026 school year and there after for recurring purposes consisting of maintaining current programs and staff and operation expenses. |
| 3871 | Necedah Area | $7,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | School facility improvement project at the school building and facilities |
| APPROVED | Neillsville | $12,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Facility improvement project consisting of: building, infrastructure, systems and site improvements; building renovations, accessibility upgrades and asbestos abatement; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures, technology and equipment. |
| 3934 | New Glarus | $4,800,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Question: Shall the School District of New Glarus, Green and Dane Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,400,000 for the 2023-2024 school year, by $1,600,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, and by $1,800,000 for the 2025-2026 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses related to staffing, operating and maintaining current school facilities, and maintaining current educational programming, extracurriculars, and services? |
| REJECTED | North Lake | $3,600,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Referendum to Exceed the Revenue Limit for Three Years for Non-Recurring Purposes |
| 1945 | Northern Ozaukee | $8,500,000.00 | NR – 2023 | To exceed revenue limit for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses, including to maintain current educational programs, services, and facilities. |
| 3990 | Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton | $24,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | Capital referendum project for building updates, maintenance, and added programming spaces for educational instruction and co-curricular activities. The project includes: the addition of a new track & field space, |
| APPROVED | Oconomowoc Area | $38,650,000.00 | Issue Debt | School building and facility improvement project consisting of: building systems and capital maintenance improvements at the High School, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and roof replacement; construction of a classroom addition, capital maintenance and site improvements at Ixonia Elementary School, including roof and floor replacement; removal of modular classrooms; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. |
| REJECTED | Oconomowoc Area | $36,800,000.00 | Issue Debt | School building and facility improvement project at the High School consisting of: renovations, including for art, music and commons space; construction of an addition and renovations, including for a gymnasium, weight and fitness training spaces, locker rooms, storage, offices and an expanded cafeteria/commons; capital maintenance, parking lot and site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment. |
| 4151 | Parkview | $4,350,000.00 | NR – 2023 | |
| 0490 | Pecatonica Area | $18,800,000.00 | Issue Debt | Capital referendum not to exceed $18,800,000.00 |
| 4536 | Poynette | $9,250,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Non-Recurring Refererendum for Purpose of Providing for Operational Needs Of the School District |
| 4627 | Randall J1 | $9,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Referendum to support the District in capital projects that include, but not limited to improving safety, security, roofing, heating & cooling systems. Additionally, create a secure single entrance to the building that also ensures the opportunity for social/emotional support for our greater school community. |
| 4627 | Randall J1 | $3,600,000.00 | NR – 2024 | Authorization to exceed the revenue limit by $900,000 per year for the 2024-25 school year through the 2027-2028 school year. |
| 4956 | Rosendale-Brandon | $3,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | $3 million over 2 years for operating purposes |
| 4956 | Rosendale-Brandon | $35,700,000.00 | Issue Debt | $35.7 million for updates to high school and intermediate school so that two elementary schools can be closed. |
| APPROVED | Shorewood | $27,500,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Operational and maintenance expenses, including salaries, benefits and instructional and extra-curricular programming |
| 5369 | Silver Lake J1 | $2,400,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Non-Recurring Operational Referendum to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91,Wisconsin Statutes, by $800,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2023-2024 schoolyear and ending with the 2025-2026 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting ofoperational and maintenance expenses. |
| 5376 | Siren | $1,200,000.00 | NR – 2024 | Operating Referendum |
| 5376 | Siren | $5,000,000.00 | Issue Debt | Construction of Playground, Track, Football field |
| 5432 | Somerset | $22,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue bonds not to exceed $22.9M for facility improvements and renovations at the ES and athletic fields, and to construct an auditorium at the HS |
| 2485 | Southwestern Wisconsin | $3,900,000.00 | NR – 2023 | To exceed revenue caps for operation to maintain programs due to increased costs and inflation. This money will be used to maintain current staff levels, programs for students, and overall operation of the district. |
| 5474 | Spooner | $5,850,000.00 | NR – 2023 | non recurring purposes |
| 5586 | Spring Valley | $1,500,000.00 | NR – 2023 | REFERENDUM AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT BY $500,000 PER YEAR FOR THREE YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES |
| 5586 | Spring Valley | $7,100,000.00 | Issue Debt | REFERENDUM AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $7,100,000 |
| APPROVED | Stratford | $990,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Exceed revenue limit by $990,000 beginning with the 2023-24 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of sustaining educational programming and operational expenses. |
| 5747 | Tomah Area | $10,000,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Resolution to authorize the Tomah Area School District to exceed the revenue limit by $2,500,000 during the 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026, and the 2026-2027 school years. |
| APPROVED | Tri-County Area | $1,450,000.00 | RR – 2023 | Resolution Authorizing the School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit by $1,450,000 for Recurring Purposes” |
| 5866 | Valders Area | $9,900,000.00 | Issue Debt | Updates and repairs to MS/HS; building expansion |
| 5866 | Valders Area | $7,500,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Operational expenses |
| 6022 | Walworth J1 | $4,800,000.00 | NR – 2023 | a non-recurring three year referrendum of $1.4M in 2023-2024, $1.6M in 2024-2025, and $1.8M in 2025-2026 in order to meeting the operating costs of Walworth Joint School District #1. |
| 6069 | Washington | $1,870,000.00 | NR – 2023 | A non-recurring referendum to exceed the revenue cap for operational purposes for two years. |
| 6104 | Washington-Caldwell | $1,400,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Operational – to maintain current class sizes, sustain the current level of educational programming and support the day-to-day operations of the school district. |
| 6104 | Washington-Caldwell | $2,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Facility upgrades and improvements at school including updates to safety and security and the boiler and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. |
| 6083 | Waterford UHS | $24,500,000.00 | Issue Debt | Authorize a borrowing in an amount not to exceed $24,500,000 through the issuance of general obligation bonds of the District for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project at the district building and grounds consisting of: improving safety and security, renovating a former elementary building and making other site improvements: updating older portions of the high school; improving the softball and soccer complexes: performing capital maintenance and building systems upgrades and acquiring furniture, fixtures and equipment. |
| 6118 | Waterloo | $1,770,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Resolution authorizing the school district budget to exceed revenue limit by $590,000 per year for three years for non-recurring purposes. |
| 6237 | Wautoma Area | $41,300,000.00 | Issue Debt | Initial resolution authorizing general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $41,300,000.00 |
| 6321 | Westby Area | $5,700,000.00 | NR – 2024 | Exceed Revenue Limit to sustain educational programs and to operate the District |
| 6426 | Whitehall | $1,700,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Exceed revenue limit for two year for operating expenses |
| 6545 | Wilmot UHS | $8,400,000.00 | NR – 2023 | Operational referendum to exceed the revenue limit by $5,500,000 for the 2023-2024 school year and by $2,900,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses, including for salary, benefits and security improvements. |
| 6608 | Winneconne Community | $28,300,000.00 | Issue Debt | Issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $28,300,000 for Middle School facility improvements/remodeling and reconstruction of the High School Parking Lot |
| 6748 | Yorkville J2 | $12,100,000.00 | Issue Debt | |
| 6748 | Yorkville J2 | $900,000.00 | RR – 2023 |
