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operational referendum header november 5

What has the district done since the April 2024 referendum?

Budget reductions totaling $1.75 million were made for the 2024-2025 school year.

Staffing:

Staff Reductions: 12 positions were eliminated:

  • 1- Full-Time Music Teacher
  • 1- Full-Time Tech Ed Teacher
  • 1- Full-Time Counselor
  • 1- Part-Time Music
  • 1- Part-Time Art Teacher
  • 1- Full-Time Instructional Math Coach
  • 4- Full-Time Classroom Teachers
  • 2- Full-Time Elementary Special Education Teachers

Staff Restructuring: 

  • Transitioning Special Education Paraprofessionals from Full-Time to Part-Time
  • Consolidated Academic Intervention Coordinator and Talented and Gifted Coordinator Positions

Adjustments in Employee Salary & Benefits: 

  • Reduction in Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) Funding Levels 
  • Transition to a Self-Funded Health Insurance Model
  • Increase in Employee Healthcare Contributions 
  • Reduction in Paid In-Service Days 

Operational Changes:

  • Reduction in Department Budgets
  • Deferring Maintenance Projects
  • Policy Changes for Open Enrollment
  • Increase in Fees for Co-curricular and District Facility use
  • Increase in Class Sizes as a Result of Staffing Reductions

 

Were the reductions enough and what is being asked for?

Despite substantial budget cuts and operational changes, the Waterford Graded School District (WGSD) is still facing a budget shortfall and depleted fund balance.

  • To balance the budget and replenish fund balance, we are asking for $3 million per year for the next four years.
  • WGSD is facing a minimum deficit of $1.2 million and a cumulative deficit of $9.7 million over the next five years.
  • The deficit may continue to grow due to increases in operational costs and lack of state funding.  
  • The projected 12.53% fund balance is well below the district's 25% policy. Adequate reserves are crucial for schools to cover costs, avoid debt, and manage unexpected expenses.

  • Voters will see the following question on the ballot on Tuesday, November 5, 2024: 

    Question:  Shall the Waterford Graded School District Joint No. 1, Racine County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $3,000,000 per year for four years, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and ending with the 2028-2029 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses?

What will happen if a Referendum does not pass? 

While WGSD prioritized maintaining program offerings, we have reached a point where significant program reductions are unavoidable if a referendum does not pass.

All programming not required by state and federal law will be considered for elimination. 

Below is a list of all potential cuts or reductions related to staffing, course offerings, and operations: 

Course Offerings & Staffing

  • Reduced music, art, & physical education minutes

  • 5th/6th-grade band program reduction/cut

  • Music, art, & physical education teacher reductions

  • Adjustments to special education programming

  • Family and Consumer Science (FACS) & FAB Lab reduction/cut

  • World Language K-6 reduction/cut

  • 4K related arts eliminated

  • Class sizes near or at maximum

  • School counselor reduction/cut

  • Secretary 2 positions (health room attendant) reduced to part-time

  • Library aide reductions/cuts

  • District support/admin staff cuts

  • Building administration cuts

Scheduling & Operations:

  • Late start schedule for students

  • Eliminate sports and clubs 

  • Middle school schedule changes 

  • Additional reduction in contract days  

  • Summer school reduction/cut

  • Additional reduction to staff benefits

  • Redistricting or school reorganization

tax impact

While other factors can influence the mill rate, we project a decrease in the remaining years after an initial increase in 2025.

Learn More

Why do we need an operational referendum

State Funding Limitations

In Wisconsin, all school districts operate under a state-imposed revenue limit created by the state budget. This limit caps the amount of money a district can receive through state aid and local property taxes. The funding approved by the state legislature has not kept pace with increasing costs and inflation over the past few years, presenting significant challenges to adequately support programs and services offered by our District.

Rising Operational Costs

Like many school districts across the state, we are facing significant financial challenges due to rising costs in key areas like transportation, utilities, staffing, health insurance, and other district resources. In the current economic climate, the cost of running a school district has outpaced traditional funding sources.

Elimination of ESSER/COVID Funds

The federal government provided schools with one-time ESSER funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Districts were required to use these funds for ongoing costs. They are now expiring and will create additional and ongoing structural budget deficits.

Referendum Basics

Operational Referendum Information

Supporting Financial Information

Additional Questions

VISIT MyVote.wi.gov to:

  • Find your polling location

  • Register to vote

  • Learn voting requirements

  • Request an absentee ballot

  • Early in-person voting starts 10/22 and goes until 11/3

  • Request absentee ballot online by 10/31