A season of gratitude and an invitation for your feedback

As we move deeper into November, it feels like the perfect time to pause and reflect with gratitude. It is hard to believe that Homecoming festivities, fall athletics, and the Fall Musical have already come and gone—each the result of countless hours of preparation by our students and staff. Each of these opportunities was truly outstanding, thanks to the tremendous adult leadership that allows our students to explore their interests and develop their skills and talents.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, and after honoring our veterans in each of our schools last week, we are reminded of how connected we all are. Every person—students, families, staff, volunteers, and community members—plays a vital role in the success of our students. Our district could not operate without the dedication of those who choose our District as their place of work, service, and support.
In that spirit of partnership and gratitude, we want to remind you that we are asking for your feedback. Each resident should have received a survey in the mail, and all school families should have received an electronic version. This survey offers an important opportunity to share what you value and what you are willing to invest in.
The need: Why we are considering an operational referendum
We are not alone in facing financial challenges. Across Wisconsin, districts are turning to operational referendums to maintain programs and services. Of the 421 districts in the state, 308 (73%) have passed operational referendums. We have never secured this type of ongoing funding.

You may be wondering: “We just approved a $27 million referendum—why do you need more?”
It is important to understand the difference between capital and operational referendums. Capital referendums fund major facility projects—“bricks and mortar”—and cannot be used for daily operations. Operational referendums fund the day-to-day costs of running the district, including buses, curriculum, utilities, and competitive staff salaries.
The core problem: Limits on our revenue
The Freeze:
The state sets the total funding districts can receive from state aid and local property taxes—our Revenue Limit. Since 2009, the state has eliminated the inflationary adjustment. We are now at the lowest revenue limit authorized by the state.
The Impact:
If inflationary adjustments had continued, our district would have nearly $3.8 million in additional funds this year—about $3,573 per student.
The Tool:
Because revenue limits are fixed, the only way to align funding with local needs and values is by asking voters to approve an operational or capital referendum.
Evidence of increasing financial strain
Our current revenue limits do not cover essential costs:
•Growing Deficit:
We are operating with a deficit of more than $230,000 this year, even after reducing five staff positions and cutting $345,000. That deficit is projected to grow to $1.7 million within five years, and we are currently using our savings (“fund balance”) to meet payroll.
•Rising Costs, Falling Aid:
Transportation, utilities, and classroom materials continue to rise, while state aid to the district is decreasing by nearly 20% this year. Seventy-one percent of districts statewide face similar reductions. These decreases ultimately affect all taxpayers.
•Staffing Challenges:
Our starting teacher salary is lower than neighboring districts, making it difficult to attract and retain high-quality staff.
•Aging Transportation Fleet
We serve families across 288 square miles and need buses and vans to transport students safely
Understanding taxpayer priorities
We are surveying community members to better understand what residents value as we navigate these ongoing financial challenges. Any future request must reflect what our community believes is most important and what they are willing to support.
Learning from the Past:
When the district explored facility needs over the past two years, community feedback showed that 62% of respondents supported a $27 million capital referendum, which later passed with 63% voter approval. This confirmed that gathering input first helps shape proposals that residents can support.
Local Control and Transparency:
Surveying residents ensures decisions remain local, transparent, and responsive. It gives taxpayers a direct voice in how their dollars support our students and schools.
Why your voice matters
Fifteen years after our last operational referendum attempt, the challenge remains: we cannot increase revenue without voter approval. Your feedback is essential. What do you value? How should we address the funding gap that has persisted for more than a decade?
Your input will guide our next steps and ensure that any future proposal reflects the priorities of the people we proudly serve.