Operating Referendum

 

The Shorewood School District (SSD) has a commitment to and proven history of delivering a high-quality education that serves all. It is a place where students find their passion; develop and use their unique voice; and excel in and outside of the classroom through rigorous work that challenges status quo thinking and inspires action. We are pursuing an operating referendum to preserve this tradition of excellence.

 

The rapidly increasing cost of delivering a high-quality education, combined with years of state funding falling short of inflation, has placed the District’s ability to continue offering a comprehensive educational program and exceptional student experience in jeopardy. Without revenue growth to match anticipated increases in expenses, the District will face sizable reductions to our programs, despite no future plans of adding new staff or programming.

 

The bottom line is that the Shorewood School District’s revenue will not be enough to meet the increasing expenses of advancing our mission and achieving equity, growth, and excellence for all without support through a voter-approved operating referendum.

 
Operating Referendum: April 4, 2023

On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, residents of the Shorewood School District will vote on an operating referendum question. An approved referendum would help the District address the financial challenges that largely result from Wisconsin’s school funding formula. 

 

The question on the ballot asks voters to approve a non-recurring operating referendum that would provide the District with additional funding in each of the next five years. These funds would be used to protect the tradition of excellence that Shorewood is known for including its robust student programs and services as well as ability to retain and attract high-quality staff.

 

Thanks to sound fiscal management, the Board will be able to minimize the future impact of the referendum on our property taxpayers. The total levy is projected to increase by $2.4 million in 2023-24 if the referendum is approved. If property values remain the same, the property tax impact of the referendum is estimated to be $123 per $100,000 or $369 per $300,000 of assessed fair market property value. 

 

We invite you to learn more about the District’s financial needs and the proposed solution on the ballot this April.