March 21st Virtual Presentation with Superintendent Nick Ouellette and Matt Wolfert from Bray Architects
Learn More About the April 4th Referendum in this Western Wisconsin Journal Segment with Board President Jamie Johnson and Superintendent Nick Ouellette
Click here to view the April 4th Referendum Information Newsletter
Board of Education Approves Referendum Questions for April 4th
The Board of Education took action and approved two questions for the April 4th spring election (click here to view the ballot language).
- Question #1: Resolution to exceed the revenue cap commencing with the 2023-2024 school year in an amount of $8,000,000 each year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operation, maintenance, and staffing costs.
- Question #2: Resolution authorizing issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $29,000,000 for the 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.
ASSUMPTIONS
- Operating Question Only: Assumes recurring $8,000,000 beginning 2023-24.
- Debt Question Only: Borrowing amortized over 20 years assuming long-term planning interest rates of 4.75%. Principal targeted to be repaid after 2016 referendum debt. Mill rate based on the 2022 Equalized Valuation (TID-OUT) of $6,175,339,605 with annual growth of 3.00% for five years and 1.00% thereafter.
- Not reflecting state equalization aid based on assumption that operating budget will move district into hold harmless aid.
- * Impact represents the estimated maximum increase in mill rate over the 2022-23 mill rate of $8.84.
- Note: Estimated tax impact figures based on the information we know today about the State Funding formulas. Significant changes to the funding formulas may significantly change the estimated tax impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does it mean to “exceed the revenue cap” or have an “operational” referendum question?
- Why an $8 million operating referendum question now?
- What has the School District done to manage costs and capital maintenance to avoid asking for money?
- How can we be certain the School District has declining student enrollment? What if the projections are wrong?
- What are the contributing factors to the declining enrollment?
- How does declining enrollment affect a school district’s budget?
- How is the School District cutting administrative costs?
- How will the operational funds be spent?
- What if the referendum questions do not pass?
- Why do we need a gym and gymnastics space?
- Do we need to include landscaping in the capital improvements budget?
- Why aren’t dollars being used to invest in the Middle School pool?