The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) unanimously approved two new referendum questions in June that will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot on June 24 aimed to soften the blow amid budget challenges.
The district is asking voters to approve an operations referendum for $100 million to increase staff wages and a facilities referendum for $507 million to improve buildings. If the facilities referendum passes, the estimated property tax impact would be $27 per month over 23 years beginning in 2025, according to MMSD’s website. If the the operations referendum passes, the estimated property tax impact would build over four years beginning at $26 per month for the first year.
MMSD, described the operations referendum as a method to invest in early learning, attract and retain teaching staff and support students through behavioral and mental services, while the facilities referendum is a way for the district to combat aging physical infrastructure.
“These referenda aren't just about sustaining, it's about thriving. It's about continuing to create environments where teachers flourish and students excel,” the district said in a statement on their website.
The state of Wisconsin, imposes a limit on how much a school district can receive in state and local levies for operation. This cap, in recent years, has failed to keep up with rapid inflation. Furthermore, special education mandates are only covered up to 31% by the state, meaning the district must cover the remaining costs.
With aid that has failed to meet inflation and state caps on district revenue, the district has been forced into difficult budget territory. A report by the Wisconsin Policy Forum (WPF) found MMSD can no longer rely on federal COVID-19 relief dollars and revenue raised from a 2020 referendum to bring enough money in.
This contributes to an estimated $39 million deficit in 2024-25, according to the report. WPF estimated that, by 2028, property tax bills would increase by $1,376 on the average value of a Madison home if these two questions pass.
But MMSD is not alone in this challenge. Across Wisconsin, districts are finding themselves considering similar proposals. In the April 2024 election, 92 referenda were proposed across the state to combat similar issues.
“State cuts and restrictive limits will take a dangerous toll on our community’s public schools,” MMSD said.
Additional information and opportunities for feedback are listed on MMSD’s 2024 referenda webpage.
MMSD did not respond for a comment.
