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What Is an Operating Referendum?
In 1993, the State of Wisconsin implemented revenue limits to help control property taxes. These limits cap the total amount of funding a public school district may receive from its two primary sources, state aid and local property taxes combined.
For example, the School District of Nekoosa has a revenue limit of $12,747,141. Of that amount, the District receives $1,971,367 in state aid, which means the remaining $10,775,774 must be generated through local property taxes. If the District needs more than the $10,775,774 in property taxes, voter approval is required to exceed the revenue limit through an operating referendum.
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Why a Referendum?
Like many Wisconsin school districts, Nekoosa is facing increasing costs that are not fully covered by state funding. School districts are a people industry. Sixty-five percent of the district’s expenses consist of salaries and benefits. To remain competitive and retain high-quality teachers and staff, the district must offer compensation and benefits that attract and keep professionals who serve our students every day.
Despite careful budgeting and ongoing cost controls, Nekoosa has reached a point where reductions alone are no longer sustainable without impacting programs and services for students. The referendum will maintain stability and protect the quality of education our community expects.
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What Will the Referendum Support?
Following the failure of last year’s referendum, the district reviewed staffing levels and implemented reductions totaling more than $1 million. Some of these changes are still being felt in classrooms and student services.
The district is currently operating with a budget shortfall, with projected expenses exceeding projected revenues by approximately $1.1 million in the 2025-26 budget. If the operating referendum is approved, much of the funds will be used to close the shortfall and reassess some of the reductions made in 2025. Our goal is to retain our experienced staff, restore student supports, preserve academic programs, and expand career pathways.
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