Last Updated July 15, 2024 - At its meeting on Monday, July 15, the School District of Reedsburg’s Board of Education approved proceeding with Capital and Operational Referendum questions on November 5, 2024. This action allows the board to move forward with the development of the official resolution and ballot language for the two referendum questions and how they could appear on the ballot. Then, the board will consider adopting the two ballot questions during the August board meeting.
Proposed Facilities Referendum
Following community listening sessions and a district-wide survey, the Board of Education developed a $14 million facilities plan that would renovate and upgrade the RAHS Construction Trades, Manufacturing/Engineering, and Agriculture spaces and would create a small addition to the agriculture space that would include a new greenhouse and allow for additional new and innovative programs in Agriculture, Animal Science and Natural Resources. The plan would also upgrade the commons into a more inviting space for our students and our community and renovate the library, large group room, and two adjacent classrooms into what is being called the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
“Our first priority is always keeping our students warm, safe, and dry,” said Superintendent Roger Rindo, Ed.D. “But this proposal represents a strategic investment in student learning opportunities. The proposed renovations at RAHS will improve our ability to deliver the relevant, career-focused education area employers have been calling for.”
The referendum proposal is part of the long-term facilities plan developed by the Board of Education.
“We have listened to the community and developed a referendum plan based on their input,” said Board President Gary Woolever. “In November, we are seeking voter input on most immediate needs. But we must remember that the district will need to replace Webb Middle School at some point in the future, and the District has a plan for that as well.”
Proposed Operational Solution
The Board of Education also authorized a non-recurring operational referendum to exceed the revenue limit by $4 million annually over the next four years. In going to an operational referendum, the School District of Reedsburg is joining the majority of public school districts across the state that have sought operational referendums in recent years to combat state funding failing to keep up with rising costs. During this past February and April elections alone, 65 school districts across the state had operations questions on the ballot.
“We have been diligent in our advocacy for increased funding at the state level, but we have reached a critical level. For too long, state funding has not kept up with the cost of operating the district. For example, in this past year, the District had to transfer $4.9 million dollars from the General Fund to the Special Education Fund because the state only supports Special Education funding at approximately 30%. An operational referendum is our only other alternative to increase revenue,” said Dr. Rindo.
If both questions are successful, the tax impact would result in a tax increase between $.40 and $.55 cents. At $7.55, that is lower than the tax rate two years ago, which was $7.63. The District is working with its financial consultant and will have a firm estimate on the tax increase at the August meeting when the Board will need to take formal action on the actual referendum resolution and ballot language.
“If successful,” Rindo added, “this plan will help ensure the district is delivering the best possible programs and services to our students, and we will provide details on all of this in the weeks and months ahead.”
Next Steps
Residents can learn more by visiting the district website or by contacting the Central Office at (608) 524-2016.