The school referendum was passed after the Nov. 5 election. Voters in the Superior district were asked whether or not to increase property taxes in order to support the school district in the upcoming election. This is known as an operational referendum, which will be used to maintain the functions of the schools.
In 2016, voters approved a building referendum, which was used to add additions and various improvements at the elementary schools, Superior Middle School, and Superior High School. Even though this is the first time the district has gone to an operational referendum, the idea behind a referendum is not uncommon.
“The state of Wisconsin has not kept up funding that matches our inflationary costs. Our costs are going up, and yet the revenue is staying the same. As we do our five year projection, we will have to make significantly more cuts,” said District Administrator Amy Starzecki.
The school district eliminated 60 positions and closed Lake Superior School at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. The referendum is going to ensure the district can continue to maintain stable revenue under state caps.
“It is important for students to understand that if a referendum doesn’t pass, we will be looking at eliminating programs, activities, and staffing positions. There will be less opportunities and class sizes will go up,” said Starzecki.
If the referendum did not pass, students would not have the same opportunities around extracurricular activities and course offerings. The focus would only be on providing things that are required by the state.
“The question I am asking the community is, do you want us to continue making these cuts? 85% of the school districts in the state of Wisconsin have had to go out to their community and ask the same question about whether they would raise property taxes to help address this lack of funding issue,” said Starzecki.
Nearly half of all Wisconsin school districts will have gone to referendum this year alone.
“It is really important that our students understand what is happening in Madison at the legislative level when it comes to what decisions are being made, specifically about school funding,” said Starzecki. “It is important our students are using their voice at the legislative level to make sure they are communicating our priorities.”
After the majority of voters (54%) voted in favor of the referendum, it will be going into effect. Other districts requested referendums, such as Ashland, Drummond, Northwood, South Shore, and Washburn, all of which passed as well.
