We take pride in being a district of choice in Northeast Wisconsin, offering a wide range of activities to help students achieve lifelong success. Thanks to the dedication of our staff and community, our focus remains on the well-being of our students in these challenging times.
As we celebrate our successes, we also face challenges. Like many districts, we are confronting a budget deficit. Wisconsin’s revenue limit, tied to enrollment and state-approved adjustments, caps funding from state aid and local taxes. Unfortunately, these limits haven’t kept pace with inflation, and districts across the state are navigating funding issues. As a result, more districts are turning to voters for support.
Why does the School District of Niagara need an Operational Referendum?
he District estimates a fiscal shortfall for each of the next four school years and is asking the community to approve a $3,000,000 Operational Referendum that will be levied over the next four years as follows:
The new referendum replaces the previous referendum that expired in 2023.
A successful Operational Referendum will allow the School District of Niagara to continue providing excellent educational programming to meet the needs of our students.
This referendum is not to build a new facility.
What is the Difference Between Capital and Operating Referenda?
In a capital referendum, funds are borrowed through bonds and paid back with interest. This type of referendum is most often used for building projects. This is similar to a home mortgage and would be amortized over a set number of years.
In an operating referendum, there are no interest payments because there are no borrowed funds. The amount is levied each year and is more cost-efficient for the community. These funds are used for operational expenses, such as, but not limited to, staff, utilities, transportation, technology, maintenance, and supplies.
How does passing an Operational Referendum impact our students?
The Operational Referendum will allow the School District of Niagara to continue high quality class offerings, extra-curricular opportunities, and programs for student success. See the district’s website for our District DPI Report Card Scores.
If the Operational Referendum doesn’t pass, how will it impact our students?
If the referendum is not approved on November 5th, the District will develop a process for making significant budget reductions for the 2025–2026 school year and beyond.
A failed operational referendum could lead to larger class sizes, a reduction in academic programming, potential loss of extra-curricular activities, and other cuts.
How will the Operational Referendum impact taxpayers?
If the referendum is approved, the school district portion of your 2024 property taxes is projected to increase by 5.16%. For example, if your 2023 taxes were $1,000 you can expect your 2024 taxes to increase by $51.60.
No additional increases to the school district tax levy are projected for the subsequent three years.
Keep in mind, the school district portion of property taxes is just one piece of your property tax bill. Taxpayers also are taxed by their local municipality, their county and technical colleges.
What is the Difference Between Capital and Operating Referenda?
In a capital referendum, funds are borrowed through bonds and paid back with interest. This type of referendum is most often used for building projects. This is similar to a home mortgage and would be amortized over a set number of years.
In an operating referendum, there are no interest payments because there are no borrowed funds. The amount is levied each year and is more cost-efficient for the community. These funds are used for operational expenses, such as, but not limited to, staff, utilities, transportation, technology, maintenance, and supplies.
When was the district’s last referendum?
The district’s last Operational Referendum was approved by voters in 2020 for $1.75 million over four years. That referendum expired in 2023. This new referendum will replace the 2020 referendum and will not add to it.
A Capital Referendum was also approved by voters in the fall of 2020 to update the district’s facility.
If you would like a tour of the district, please contact our office at 715-251-4541.
Why do we need to go to referendum again?
Like many districts across Wisconsin we face a significant challenge, our budget.
Based on enrollment and state-approved adjustments, the current state-imposed revenue limits *cap* the funding we can receive from state aid and local taxes.
Unfortunately, these limits have not kept up with inflation and school districts statewide are struggling to keep their doors open without reducing the programs and opportunities we offer our students.
How will the November referendum question read?
“Shall the School District of Niagara, Marinette County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $600,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, by $700,000 for the 2025-2026 school year, by $800,000 for the 2026-2027 school year and by $900,000 for the 2027-2028 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses for educational programming, student opportunities and operations?”
When is Election Day?
Residents will vote on the referendum question on the fall general election date of Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Where Can I Vote?
District residents can vote at their regular polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. You can find voting and registration information at https://myvote.wi.gov/.