OPERATIONAL REFERENDUM
ON THE BALLOT: APRIL 7, 2026
Addressing Critical Needs in Wisconsin Dells Schools
Our community takes pride in the quality of our schools and has long celebrated the achievements of our students. However, the School District of Wisconsin Dells is one of many throughout Wisconsin that face financial challenges making it difficult to maintain the quality of education our students deserve.
These financial challenges can be attributed to factors beyond our district’s control, including inadequate state aid that has not kept pace with inflation for decades, rising expenses, unfunded mandates, and declining enrollment.
On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, residents of the SDWD will vote on a non-recurring operational referendum. If it’s approved by voters, our district will have the authority to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $2.4 million through the conclusion of the 2028-29 school year.
An approved referendum will result in an estimated mill rate of $6.10 in fall 2026, as compared to a 2025 mill rate of $6.11. This is based on an estimate of property values increasing by 4% in 2026.
Challenges From the State Funding Formula
School districts in Wisconsin are primarily funded by state aid and local property taxes, but districts do not control the amount of financial support they receive from the state. Districts operate under a revenue limit system established more than 30 years ago that restricts the amount of money each can receive
However, our district’s revenue has decreased faster than our expenses. If state aid had kept pace with inflation since 2009, districts like ours would now receive about $3,500 more per student each year. In 2025-26, $357.5 million was reduced from general public school aid for private school vouchers. This change led to more than 70% of public school districts statewide seeing a reduction in aid.
The revenue limit for SDWD is also impacted by enrollment, which has declined through the years and resulted in less money for operations.
The needs of our students have continued to increase in the areas of special education and mental health, but we receive insufficient financial support to cover the expenses of state and federally mandated services.
A Record of Fiscal Responsibility
The Board of Education and administration have reduced costs and have a track record of sound financial management.
In planning for the 2025-26 school year the district made just shy of $1.3 million in budget reductions.
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$386,024 Elementary staff reductions.
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$46,874 Reduction in support staff positions.
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$29,000 Restructuring of the Transportation Department.
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$150,000 Purchase of only one bus.
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$28,864 Building level budget reductions.
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$62,026 Supervisor level reductions.
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$579,695 Restructured/modified health plan benefits.
SDWD’s mill rate has fallen more than 25% since Fiscal Year 2020. Among the difficult budget decisions made have been the closure of Lake Delton Elementary School at the end of this school year, which will provide nearly $380,000 in savings.
Despite these measures, we face projected annual budget deficits averaging more than $2.4 million through the 2028-29 school year. An operational referendum is the only option to prevent additional cuts to programs and opportunities for students.
With an approved referendum on April 7, additional funding would allow SDWD to:
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Avoid significant teacher and staff reductions
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Maintain class sizes and provide more individual attention for students
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Continue offering robust academic programming and extracurricular activities
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Update computers and technology
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Address maintenance needs in our schools
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Maintain an adequate general fund balance
Challenges From the State Funding Formula
School districts in Wisconsin are primarily funded by state aid and local property taxes, but districts do not control the amount of financial support they receive from the state. Districts operate under a revenue limit system established more than 30 years ago that restricts the amount of money each can receive
However, our district’s revenue has decreased faster than our expenses. If state aid had kept pace with inflation since 2009, districts like ours would now receive about $3,500 more per student each year. In 2025-26, $357.5 million was reduced from general public school aid for private school vouchers. This change led to more than 70% of public school districts statewide seeing a reduction in aid.
The revenue limit for SDWD is also impacted by enrollment, which has declined through the years and resulted in less money for operations.
The needs of our students have continued to increase in the areas of special education and mental health, but we receive insufficient financial support to cover the expenses of state and federally mandated services.
