Welcome to the WUSD Referendum Information Page!

Here you will find the answers to why the referendum is needed and how the funds would be utilized if the referendum is approved by voters. You'll also find a Frequently Asked Questions link that provides answersto questions regarding enrollment, finances, and why the State of Wisconsin isn't providing enough funding to public schools. It also touches on staffing and programming cuts that will likely be made if the referendum is not approved by voters.

GETTING DOWN TO THE DETAILS

Community to Vote on WUSD Referendum April 1, 2025

The Watertown Unified School District is embarking on an ambitious Strategic Plan that is guiding our efforts to ensure our students continue to have access to an exceptional educational experience. To execute this strategic plan and fulfill our vision to inspire learners with student-centered education strengthened by community involvement, the district must address its financial and operational challenges.

Like most Wisconsin school districts, the WUSD is facing a budget crunch stemming from an outdated state education funding system, a lack of state aid to public schools in recent years, and rising costs due to inflation. In fact, if revenues had kept pace with inflation since 2009, school districts like ours would receive about $3,200 more per student for the 2024-25 school year alone.

In recent years, the district has made budget reductions and maximized every dollar taxpayers are investing in their local schools. However, the time has come to find a more sustainable solution to our financial needs.

Proposed Solution

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, our community will vote on a recurring operational referendum question for the Watertown Unified School District. If the referendum is approved, the district will be able to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $7 million per year, starting in the 2025-26 school year. Note: This referendum is for operational needs only - it is not to remodel existing school facilities or to build a new school building.

We would use these funds to:

• Strengthen School Safety

Sustain and implement additional critical safety measures to keep students and staff secure - upgrade visitor screening software, add school resource officers, increase number of security cameras, improve operation and monitoring of exterior doors.

• Protect High-Quality Programs and Services

Maintain the level of excellence our families and community expect for students across all grade levels.

• Preserve Expanded Opportunities for Students

Enhance Career and Technical Education, agriculture, and performing arts programs, Advanced Placement opportunities, after-school activities, and career pathways to prepare students for success.

• Retain and Attract Top Talent

Invest in recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers and staff to support student learning.

Property Tax Impact

An approved referendum would have an estimated annual school district property tax impact of 70 cents for every $1,000 of assessed fair market property value. The impact on a home with an assessed fair market value of $250,000, for example, would be approximately $175 per year or roughly $14.60 per month.

Do you have questions or would like more information?

Please reach out to us - we want to hear from you.

Email referendum2025@mywusd.org or call (920) 262-1460. Thank you!