Referendum will maintain educational programs, officials said
Voters in the Waterford Graded School District will decide on an operational referendum during the Nov. 5 General Election.
The district, which saw an operational referendum rejected by voters in the April 2024 Spring Election, is requesting permission from taxpayers to exceed the state-imposed revenue limits by $3 million for four years for non-recurring purposes.
Since the failed referendum in April, the School Board has made $1.75 million in budget cuts, including eliminating 12 positions, increasing class sizes, reducing employee benefits and deferring maintenance projects, based on a letter from the Board of Education.
Despite the budget cuts, Waterford Graded School District officials are still faced with a $1.2 million deficit for the 2024-25 school year, according to the Board of Education.
If the referendum fails, officials anticipate a cumulative deficit of $9.7 million over the next five years.
“This deficit is projected to increase due to rising costs and inadequate state funding,” the letter from the district states. “School districts across Wisconsin are grappling with similar challenges, as the state funding formula has yet to keep pace with inflation.”
The district noted increasing costs in transportation, special education, staffing, health insurance and utilities have played primary roles in the deficit.
Unlike the previous referendum presented to voters in April, the referendum proposal for the Nov. 5 ballot will be much lower.
“The district has made significant efforts to preserve program offerings and implement cost-saving measures,” the Board of Education said in the news release. “WGSD now faces the reality that substantial reductions in programs will be unavoidable without the passing of the referendum.”
If the November referendum fails, programs not mandated by state and federal law will be considered for potential elimination or reduction, including music, art, and physical education offerings.
Additional cuts could include but are not limited to, the band program, adjustments to special education programming, reductions and/or cuts in family and consumer science as well as world language.
Staffing cuts could include library aides, two secretary positions, and fewer school counselors.
Co-curricular activities under consideration consist of eliminating sports and clubs, among others, according to the release.
“We understand this funding situation may be worrisome,” the Board wrote. “Please know that we are deeply committed to providing the best possible education for your children.
For more information, visit waterford.k12.wi.us/district/november-5-2024-referendum.
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