Question 1

What is an operational referendum?

Accepted Answer

An operational referendum is a voter-approved measure that allows a Wisconsin school district to exceed the state-imposed revenue limit. These funds are used for day-to-day expenses such as staffing, academic programs, student services, and operational costs.

Operational referendums are a common source of critical financial support for school districts in Wisconsin, helping to avoid significant cuts to programs and services for students.

Question 2

What is a revenue limit, and how does it affect our schools?

Accepted Answer

Wisconsin school districts are primarily funded through a combination of state aid and local property taxes. Each district also has a revenue limit, created by the state school funding formula.  The limit, which was established in 1993 and has not kept pace with increasing costs and inflation, caps the amount of money a district can receive through state aid and local property taxes.

The School District of West De Pere’s revenue limit authority is primarily controlled by two things: (1) student enrollment and (2) state-approved adjustments. If revenues had kept pace with inflation since 2009, school districts like ours would receive approximately $3,500 more per student.

Furthermore, in 2025-26, $357.5 million was reduced from general public school aid to give to private voucher schools. More than 70% of Wisconsin public school districts saw a reduction in their school aid.

Question 3

Why is the district asking for additional funding now?

Accepted Answer

The district is facing growing budget deficits due to a combination of limited state funding, an inequitable state funding formula, and rising expenses. While cost-saving measures have been implemented, they are no longer enough to offset the financial gap. Without additional funding, reductions that impact our students will be necessary.

Question 4

Has the district taken steps to reduce spending?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the district has taken a number of proactive steps in recent years to manage its budget responsibly and delay the need for a referendum.

Over the past three years, the district has implemented more than $1 million in cost-saving measures. These efforts have included staffing adjustments through attrition, reductions in positions, and careful evaluation of district spending. District leaders have also made ongoing budget adjustments to limit expenses wherever possible while prioritizing classroom instruction and student support.

While these actions have helped manage short-term financial challenges, they are no longer sufficient to keep pace with rising costs and ongoing needs. Expenses such as utilities, transportation, insurance, instructional materials, and employee wages and benefits continue to increase each year. In addition, the cost of providing required services—particularly in special education—continues to grow faster than available funding.

The district remains committed to serving as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and will continue to explore efficiencies. However, without additional funding, further reductions would likely have a direct impact on class sizes, programs, and services for students.

Question 5

What happens if the referendum is approved?

Accepted Answer

With an approved operational referendum, the district will receive $4.9 million annually through the 2032-33 school year. This would allow our district to:Resolve projected budget deficits and maintain financial stabilityRestore and maintain a responsible fund balanceMaintain current class sizesMaintain academic programs and course offeringsMaintain student support services and extracurricular opportunitiesThis funding would help ensure our schools can continue to provide a high-quality educational experience for all students without significant reductions.Based on current projections, the proposed referendum is expected to have a net-zero impact on property taxes. This means that the school district mill rate will not increase as a result of an approved referendum, but property taxes may increase related to the estimated fair market value of property, which is determined by the State Department of Revenue.

Question 6

What happens if the referendum is not approved?

Accepted Answer

If the referendum is not approved, the Board of Education and administration will need to consider further cost-saving measures. These could include:

Additional reductions in teaching and support staff
Larger class sizes across grade levels
Reductions to academic programs and course offerings
Cuts to student support services, including intervention and mental health resources
Reductions in extracurricular and co-curricular opportunities
Delayed maintenance and operational adjustments

While the district will continue to pursue responsible cost-containment strategies, reductions of this magnitude would have a direct and lasting impact on students and the quality of education our community expects.

Question 7

Is the district unique in facing these challenges?

Accepted Answer

No. Districts across Wisconsin—including nearby communities such as Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and Green Bay—are facing similar financial challenges and are planning significant budget reductions. After many years of careful financial management, these same challenges have now reached West De Pere.

Question 8

How would an approved referendum affect property taxes?

Accepted Answer

The proposed referendum is expected to have a net-zero impact on the district’s mill rate. This means that property taxes will not increase as a result of an approved referendum. However, property taxes could increase related to the estimated fair market value of property.

Question 9

When would the operational referendum expire?

Accepted Answer

If approved by voters in November, the operational referendum would remain in place through the 2032-33 school year.

Question 10

Are operational referendums common in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nearly 90% of Wisconsin school districts have attempted operational referendums.

Over the past decade, more than half of the school districts in Wisconsin have received approval from voters through successful operational referendums to exceed their revenue limits. More than 80% of districts have held an operational referendum in the past 15 years.

In West De Pere, we have worked to avoid going to referendum for as long as possible through responsible budgeting, thoughtful planning, and careful use of resources. However, like many districts across the state, we have reached a point where additional community support is necessary to maintain the level of education our students deserve.

Question 11

When is election day?

Accepted Answer

Election day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. More information is available at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us.

Question 12

Where can I cast my ballot on election day?

Accepted Answer

District residents can find their polling location for Tuesday, November 3, by searching with their home address.

Question 13

Can I vote absentee in this election?

Accepted Answer

Yes, voters may request that an absentee ballot be mailed to them for any reason. However, you must be registered before you can request an absentee ballot.

If you are registered, you can request an absentee ballot by visiting https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/VoteAbsentee. Note that you must provide a photo ID with your absentee ballot request.

Question 14

When is the deadline to register to vote?

Accepted Answer

Eligible voters can register up to election day, and can even register at the polls.

The deadline to register by mail or online is October 14, 2026. If you miss this deadline, you can still register in person at your municipal clerk’s office until 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026, or at your polling place on Election Day.

To learn more about registering to vote, visit https://myvote.wi.gov/register-To-Vote.

MAINTAINING EXCELLENCE IN WEST DE PERE SCHOOLS

OPERATIONAL REFERENDUM: NOVEMBER 3, 2026

FACING FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

PROPOSED SOLUTION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS