Background:
From the 2018-19 school year to this school year 2021-22, the District has been using voter-approved referendum funds to support teaching and learning for all MAPS students. That referendum expires at the end of this school year. On April 5, voters are asked to decide on a non-recurring, 4-year referendum that would continue funding until 2025-26.
What is the Board of Education Seeking?
The Board of Education is asking for voter approval to continue the funding through a non-recurring operational referendum for $2,500,000 per year for four years with the purpose of:
- Maintaining class sizes to acceptable levels;
- Continuing to offer regionally competitive salaries to attract and retain high-quality teachers and staff;
- Sustaining current quality of programming for students;
- Completing scheduled priority facilities maintenance, repairs, and replacements.
See the ballot question here >>
Why Does the District Need a Referendum?
MAPS, like many other districts in the State of Wisconsin, is experiencing a budget deficit due to revenue limits and increasing costs for operations and daily expenses. With declining revenue, the District used approved referendum funds (ending June 2022) to support student learning, made reductions, and closed schools. This referendum seeks to continue the funding.
No Additional Cost to Taxpayers
If voters approve renewing the referendum there is no additional cost to taxpayers, compared to the 2021 tax year. The estimated school tax mill rate impact per $1,000 of property value is listed in the table below (based on the most current information available to the District as of February 2022).
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