On Tuesday, Wisconsin voters will encounter a slate of school‑district referenda on their ballots. Seventy‑two districts statewide, including several in Northeast Wisconsin, are asking for voter approval to fund capital projects, debt service and other needs.
Districts Seeking Approval
The list of districts with referenda includes Southern Door County, Sturgeon Bay, Oconto Unified, Green Bay Area Public Schools, West De Pere, Ripon Area, Pulaski Community, Little Chute Area, Weyauwega‑Fremont, Gillett, Luxemburg‑Casco, Brillion Public Schools, and Marinette. Collectively, the measures represent about $1.6 billion in proposed funding.
Green Bay School District is requesting $158 million over the next four years. Chief Financial Officer Angie Roble said the ask reflects “the lack of state funding, not keeping up or keeping pace with inflationary costs that districts have all across the state.” She noted that while the district receives substantial federal money for specific programs such as food service and Head Start, those funds cannot be used for general operating expenses.
Voices of Caution
Will Flanders, Research Director for the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, cautioned that not every referendum is essential. “There are referenda that may be very necessary for building construction,” he said, “but there are also referenda that we think voters ought to call a little bit more into question.” Flanders pointed out that Green Bay receives more than $19,000 per student in federal funding, suggesting that the district may have additional resources beyond the proposed levy.
Flanders also highlighted a statewide trend of growing administrative staff costs, implying that districts might consider cuts in that area before turning to voters for new money.
West De Pere Proposal
West De Pere School District Board President Jenni Fuss explained that the district’s $4.9 million annual request for the next five years is not new money but a reallocation of already‑budgeted funds. “We need voter approval in order to reallocate those dollars,” Fuss said, adding that the district has already reduced its budget by $1.5 million to address a projected deficit.
Historical Approval Rates
According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, 61.3 % of school‑district referenda were approved in the spring election, down from a 70 % approval rate in 2024. If a similar pattern holds this fall, it could signal heightened scrutiny from voters.
Both Roble and Fuss warned that a rejection would likely force districts to make further staff reductions or cut programs. Roble indicated that Green Bay would consider placing another referendum on the spring ballot if voters decline the current proposal.
What Voters Should Know
Voters should review each district’s specific request, understand how the funds will be used, and consider the broader context of state funding levels and federal contributions. The upcoming votes will shape the financial landscape of Wisconsin’s public schools for years to come.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
