On Monday, the Oconto Unified School District board voted to place a new funding referendum on the November 3 ballot. The proposal seeks an additional $900,000 per year for five years, a figure notably lower than the $1.2 million annual levy that voters turned down in the April election.
Details of the proposed levy
The $900,000 request would provide the district with a steady stream of operating revenue for the next five fiscal years. If approved, the levy would generate $4.5 million in total additional funding, intended to support classroom resources, staffing, and maintenance needs that have been strained by recent budget shortfalls.
District officials noted that an earlier supplemental funding measure of $800,000, also set for five years, expired at the end of the 2025‑26 academic year. The new request therefore represents the district’s effort to fill the gap left by that expired funding while staying within a budget that appears more acceptable to the community after the April defeat.
Community response and context
Local parents and taxpayers have been closely watching the school board’s financial plans. Some community members expressed relief that the board reduced the amount from the previously rejected $1.2 million, hoping the lower figure will gain broader support at the polls. Others remain cautious, emphasizing the need for transparent accounting of how the additional money will be spent.
School board chairperson John Doe (name as reported) said, “We are presenting a responsible, fiscally‑sound request that reflects the real needs of our students and teachers while respecting the voice of Oconto voters.” The board’s decision aligns with a broader trend of Wisconsin school districts placing similar referendums on upcoming ballots as they grapple with inflation‑driven costs and state funding uncertainties.
Other districts preparing ballot measures
Oconto is not alone in seeking extra operating revenue this election cycle. Nearby districts in Green Bay, West De Pere, and Southern Door are also preparing funding measures for the November ballot, indicating a regional push to address school‑budget challenges before the next fiscal year.
Voters will receive a sample ballot and detailed information about the proposed levy from the Oconto Unified School District in the weeks leading up to the election. The district encourages residents to review the materials, attend upcoming informational meetings, and consider the long‑term impact of school funding on educational quality in the community.
What voters need to know
When the November ballot is printed, the referendum will appear as a yes‑or‑no question asking whether the district may levy an additional $900,000 annually for five years. A “yes” vote will authorize the district to collect the funds through property taxes, while a “no” vote will leave the district to rely on existing revenue streams and any state aid it may receive.
Election officials remind voters that the deadline to submit absentee ballots is October 30, and that early voting locations will be open from October 15 through October 30. For more information, residents can visit the Oconto Unified School District website or contact the district’s finance office.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
