When voters go to the polls for the April 4 Spring Election, in addition to school board races and other local government races, they will find 82 local school district referendums on the ballot in 68 districts.
Of those 82 total referendums, 53 will be operating referendums to exceed state-imposed revenue limits. Overall, 43 of those referendums will ask for temporary (or non-recurring) authority to increase the district’s revenue limit, while 10 will ask for permanent (or recurring) authority to increase the district’s revenue limit. Operating referendums will be on the ballot in 51 districts across the state. (Two districts–Elkhorn and Fort Atkinson–have two operating referenda on Tuesday’s ballot.)
In addition, there will 29 borrowing referendums on the ballot in 28 districts across the state. Borrowing referendums ask voters for approval to issue bonds for major construction, remodeling or maintenance projects for school facilities. (One district–Oconomowoc Area–has two debt issuance referendums on Tuesday’s ballot.)
Eleven (11) school districts have both a borrowing and an operational referendum on Tuesday’s ballot. They are: Beloit, Berlin Area, Hudson, Marion, Randall J2, Rosendale-Brandon, Siren, Spring Valley, Valders Area, Washington-Caldwell and Yorkville J2.
Because of restrictions in state statutes on when school districts can take referendum questions to district voters, the April 4 election will be the last chance to place referendum before voters until February 2024.
Last year (2022), a record 92 operating referendums were on the ballot statewide. This year’s total of 53 represents a significant decrease from last year’s level. Currently, 249 of Wisconsin’s 421 school districts (or nearly 60 percent) are functioning under an operational referendum.
Here is a listing of all the school district referendums on next Tuesday’s ballot:
|
District Name |
Total Amount |
Type |
Brief Description |
|
Adams-Friendship Area |
$12,000,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $3,000,000 for 4 years, beginning 2023-2024. |
|
Altoona |
$26,000,000 |
Issue Debt |
For buying building and improvement to building and other district-wide maintenance, infrastructure, and site improvements. |
|
Arcadia |
$2,250,000 |
NR – 2023 |
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. |
|
Ashwaubenon |
$19,500,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for operational purposes for 5 years. |
|
Athens |
$5,270,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue cap for non-recurring purposes. |
|
Auburndale |
$1,200,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue cap in the amount of $600,000 for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. |
|
Barneveld |
$3,450,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for operating costs and maintenance. |
|
Beloit |
$19,500,000 |
Issue Debt |
For 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. |
|
Beloit |
$23,000,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To 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. |
|
Berlin Area |
$12,500,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for nonrecurring operational purposes in the amount of 2,500,000 per year for 5 years. |
|
Berlin Area |
$20,000,000 |
Issue Debt |
For the issuance of $20,000,000 in bonds. |
|
Blair-Taylor |
$4,500,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for the non-recurring purposes of maintaining current operations and opportunities for our students, attracting and retaining staff, and rebuilding our fund balance. |
|
Boscobel |
$21,500,000 |
Issue Debt |
To issue $21,500,000 in debt for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of renovations and construction of additions and a gymnasium at the MS/HS. |
|
Brillion |
$4,380,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue cap for 3 years commencing with the 2023-2024 school year. |
|
Bristol #1 |
$2,400,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $800,000 per year for 3-years beginning with the 2023-2024 school year and ending with the 2025-2026 school year for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses to sustain and maintain current operational and maintenance practices. |
|
Burlington Area |
$24,000,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $8 million per year for 3 years for operational and maintenance expenses. |
|
Cadott Community |
$9,965,000 |
Issue Debt |
For paying the cost of a school facility improvement project at the Junior/Senior High School |
|
Cambridge |
$2,400,000 |
RR – 2023 |
Recurring operational referendum to sustain class size, curriculum, technology, school safety and retain highly qualified staff. |
|
Cameron |
$6,100,000 |
Issue Debt |
To issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,100,000 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 |
|
Deerfield Community |
$49,700,000 |
Issue Debt |
To borrow funds to be used to renovate and to build on additions to the existing Deerfield High School. |
|
East Troy Community |
$9,000,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To 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 |
|
Elkhorn Area |
$30,000,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $6,000,000 per year for five years beginning with the 2023-2024 school year and ending with the 2027-2028 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses related to maintaining current instructional programs and class sizes, staffing, ongoing safety and facility maintenance |
|
Elkhorn Area |
$500,000 |
RR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $500,000 beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of expenses related to providing additional resources for the four-year-old kindergarten program. |
|
Fort Atkinson |
$3,000,000 |
RR – 2023 |
Recurring Referendum for $3M beginning in 2023-24. |
|
Fort Atkinson |
$20,000,000 |
NR – 2023 |
Non-recurring referendum for $5M per year for four years (2024-2027) |
|
Gibraltar Area |
$29,800,000 |
Issue Debt |
For 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. |
|
Horicon |
$4,000,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $800,000 for 5 years for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses. |
|
Hudson |
$29,000,000 |
Issue Debt |
To pay for the costs of facility and grounds improvements to the EP Rock and North Hudson Elementary Schools and the Hudson Middle School and equipment acquisition related to said projects. |
|
Hudson |
$8,000,000 |
RR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by$8,000,000 each year commencing with the 2023-24 school year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operation, maintenance and staffing costs. |
|
Hustisford |
$19,500,000 |
Issue Debt |
To pay the costs of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of consolidation into one PK-12 school facility. |
|
La Crosse |
$60,000,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for six years for non-recurring operational and maintenance expenses. |
|
Laona |
$2,236,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for nonrecurring purposes. |
|
Loyal |
$6,700,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for five years for non-recurring purposes. |
|
Manitowoc |
$61,700,000 |
NR – 2023 |
5-year non-recurring referendum to exceed the revenue limit for the following amounts per fiscal year: 2023-24 – $5,200,000 |
|
Marion |
$6,900,000 |
Issue Debt |
Capital referendum to borrow an amount not to exceed $6,900,000.00 to support safety & security upgrades, capital maintenance, building infrastructure & building systems improvements and furnishings, fixtures & equipmen.t |
|
Marion |
$300,000 |
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. |
|
Marshfield |
$99,500,000 |
Issue Debt |
To issue 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. |
|
Mercer |
$2,235,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit on a nonrecurring basis to support the operations, programs, and facilities of the Mercer School District. |
|
Milton |
$9,500,000 |
RR – 2023 |
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. |
|
Monona Grove |
$13,800,000 |
RR – 2023 |
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 thereafter for recurring purposes consisting of maintaining current programs and staff and operation expenses. |
|
Necedah Area |
$7,000,000 |
Issue Debt |
For school facility improvement project at the school building and facilities |
|
Neillsville |
$12,500,000 |
Issue Debt |
For 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. |
|
New Glarus |
$4,800,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit 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. |
|
North Lake |
$3,600,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for three years for non-recurring purposes. |
|
Northern Ozaukee |
$8,500,000 |
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. |
|
Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton |
$24,900,000 |
Issue Debt |
For capital project building updates, maintenance, and added programming spaces for educational instruction and co-curricular activities, including the addition of a new track & field space. |
|
Oconomowoc Area |
$38,650,000 |
Issue Debt |
For 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. |
|
Oconomowoc Area |
$36,800,000 |
Issue Debt |
For 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. |
|
Parkview |
$4,350,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $1.45 million annually for three years. |
|
Pecatonica Area |
$18,800,000 |
Issue Debt |
For capital projects not to exceed $18,800,000.00 |
|
Poynette |
$9,250,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue Limit on a non-recurring basis for the purpose of providing for operational needs of the School District |
|
Randall J1 |
$9,500,000 |
Issue Debt |
Issue bonds for capital projects including, but not limited to improving safety, security, roofing, heating & cooling systems. Additionally, create a secure single entrance to the building. |
|
Randall J1 |
$3,600,000 |
NR – 2024 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $900,000 per year for four years (2024-25 school year through the 2027-2028 school year). |
|
Rosendale-Brandon |
$3,000,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $3 million over 2 years for operating purposes. |
|
Rosendale-Brandon |
$35,700,000 |
Issue Debt |
To borrow $35.7 million for updates to high school and intermediate school so that two elementary schools can be closed. |
|
Shorewood |
$27,500,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for operational and maintenance expenses, including salaries, benefits and instructional and extra-curricular programming. |
|
Silver Lake J1 |
$2,400,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $800,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2023-2024 school year and ending with the 2025-2026 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses. |
|
Siren |
$1,200,000 |
NR – 2024 |
To exceed the revenue limit on a non-recurring basis for operating purposes. |
|
Siren |
$5,000,000 |
Issue Debt |
For construction of playground, track, and football field. |
|
Somerset |
$22,900,000 |
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. |
|
Southwestern Wisconsin |
$3,900,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed revenue caps 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. |
|
Spooner |
$5,850,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for non-recurring purposes. |
|
Spring Valley |
$1,500,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $500,000 per year for three years for non-recurring purposes. |
|
Spring Valley |
$7,100,000 |
Issue Debt |
For the issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $7,100,000 for capital projects. |
|
Stratford |
$990,000 |
RR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $990,000 beginning with the 2023-24 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of sustaining educational programming and operational expenses. |
|
Tomah Area |
$10,000,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $2,500,000 during the 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026, and the 2026-2027 school years. |
|
Tri-County Area |
$1,450,000 |
RR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $1,450,000 for recurring purposes. |
|
Valders Area |
$9,900,000 |
Issue Debt |
For updates and repairs to MS/HS; building expansion. |
|
Valders Area |
$7,500,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for operational expenses. |
|
Walworth J1 |
$4,800,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit on a non-recurring basis for three years by $1.4M in 2023-2024, $1.6M in 2024-2025, and $1.8M in 2025-2026 in order to meet operating costs. |
|
Washington |
$1,870,000 |
NR – 2023 |
A non-recurring referendum to exceed the revenue cap for operational purposes for two years. |
|
Washington-Caldwell |
$1,400,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for operational purposes–to maintain current class sizes, sustain the current level of educational programming and support the day-to-day operations of the school district. |
|
Washington-Caldwell |
$2,500,000 |
Issue Debt |
For facility upgrades and improvements at school, including updates to safety and security and the boiler and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. |
|
Waterford UHS |
$24,500,000 |
Issue Debt |
To authorize 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. |
|
Waterloo |
$1,770,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit by $590,000 per year for three years for non-recurring purposes. |
|
Wautoma Area |
$41,300,000 |
Issue Debt |
To authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $41,300,000 for capital projects. |
|
Westby Area |
$5,700,000 |
NR – 2024 |
To exceed revenue limit to sustain educational programs and operate the District. |
|
Whitehall |
$1,700,000 |
NR – 2023 |
To exceed the revenue limit for two years for operating expenses |
|
Wilmot UHS |
$8,400,000 |
NR – 2023 |
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 and benefits and security improvements. |
|
Winneconne Community |
$28,300,000 |
Issue Debt |
To authorize the issuance of 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. |
|
Yorkville J2 |
$12,100,000 |
Issue Debt |
Capital referendum asking voters to consider authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount up to $12.1 million for maintenance. |
|
Yorkville J2 |
$900,000 |
RR – 2023 |
Operating referendum asking voters for authority to exceed the revenue limit by $900,000 to maintain things like class sizes, programs, and student services. Teacher recruitment and retention and ongoing maintenance needs would also be addressed. |
