Area School Districts Are Seeking Additional Funds

Many school districts around the state have a referendum question on Tuesday’s ballot for its residents to vote on. Four area school districts have an operational question for voters. An Operational Referendum is a voter-approved increase in taxes, over the current revenue limit, the funds from which are earmarked to cover the costs of the ongoing, day-to-day operational expenses necessary to maintain the educational programs of the district. Such costs include but are not limited to: utilities, routine and preventative maintenance, curriculum and instruction, programs/clubs/organizations, academic/fine arts/athletics, low class sizes, equipment and supplies, services to support students’ needs, professional development, salaries and benefits, instructional interventions and enhancements, and field trips.

The River Valley School District is asking to exceed the revenue limit by $4,150,000 for the 2025-26 school year, by $4,750,000 for the 2026-27 school year, and by $5.2 million for the 2027-28 school year for non-recurring purposes consisting of paying the costs of maintaining educational programs and maintenance of the District.

The Riverdale School District is placing an operational referendum on the ballot asking voters permission to exceed the revenue limit to pay operating expenses by $767,500 for the 2025-26 school year, by $767,500 for the 2026-27 school year, and by $1,155,000 per year beginning with the 2027-28 school year and ending with the 2029-30 school year, for non-recurring purposes to maintain instructional programs, staffing, technology, transportation and facilities management. The tax impact per $100,000 of assessed property will be an increase of $106 or $8.83 per month.

The Weston School District has an Operational Referendum on the ballot to exceed the revenue limit by $1.5 million per year for three years beginning with the 2025-26 school year and ending with the 2027-28 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of ongoing operational expenses, including educational programming.

The Viroqua Area School District has a non-recurring operational referendum question to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $1.3 million per year for the next two years to maintain class sizes, support educational programs, attract and retain quality staff, and continue facility maintenance and minor improvements. Passage of the referendum would have an estimated annual school district property tax increase of $11 for every $100,000 of property value.

Capital referendums are for big projects, like a new program or new facility. The School District of Baraboo has a capital facilities referendum for voter consideration. The $69.9 million referendum plan is a tax-neutral option, meaning the District’s debt tax rate will remain unchanged. If approved, the funds will address elementary facilities needs, including renovating and expanding Al Behrman, East, and Gordon L. Willson Elementary schools. The referendum will also enhance safety and security at elementary buildings and fund high-priority capital maintenance projects such as boiler replacements, plumbing upgrades, and electrical system improvements. The plan supports the district’s new full-day 4-year-old kindergarten program and proposes the closure of the West Kindergarten Center.