Referendum Frequently Asked Questions

April 1, 2025

Operational referendums allow school districts to increase spending to cover rising infrastructure and operational costs, such as staffing, supplies, and equipment, by seeking taxpayer approval to raise property taxes. If approved, districts can access the additional funds; if not, they cannot.

These referendums are now a common tool for local control, with over 85% of Wisconsin districts relying on them. In 2024, a record 148 operational referendums were held statewide. Locally, districts like Traver Elementary, Reek Elementary, Woods School, and Williams Bay also depend on operational referendums to support their students and communities.

A non-recurring operational referendum provides for a temporary increase in the revenue limit (temporary increase for spending).  A recurring operational referendum provides for an ongoing or permanent increase in the revenue limit.

Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District is asking for a four year non-recurring operation referendum beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and ending with the 2028-2029 school year.

Despite ongoing efforts to address our budget shortfalls, the Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District faces the same financial challenges as most other school districts across the state.

In the fall of 1993, the state of Wisconsin instituted a limit on the revenue a school district can receive each year. The control applies to revenue received from the two primary sources: (1) state aid and (2) local property taxes.

A district’s revenue limit is directly linked to enrollment and state-approved adjustments. Due to declining Lake Geneva Joint #1 enrollment and minimal state adjustments, our district’s revenue limit has not kept pace with inflation. An operational referendum is necessary due to this continued decreased revenue and rising operational costs.

Based on state funding formulas, an operational referendum is the only option to prevent significant cuts to essential programs, services, and staffing across our schools, as well as address critical safety and security infrastructure, safeguarding the overall well-being and education of our students. We can no longer wait for the state to direct funding toward education.

While the district can continue to make cuts to help balance the budget, it cannot do so without negatively impacting the quality of education provided to our students. Additional cuts would mean reduced staffing, program cuts, limited resources, and ultimately, a weakened school system that would negatively affect the community and local economy.

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the Lake Geneva Joint #1 School Board is asking our community to approve an operational referendum. If it is approved, the district will be able to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $4,000,000 per year for four years, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and ending with the 2028-2029 school year, for non-recurring purposes. 

Ballot Question: "Shall the Lake Geneva Joint School District No. 1, City of Lake Geneva, Towns of Bloomfield, Geneva, LaFayette, Linn, Lyons and Spring Prairie, Walworth County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $4,000,000 per year for four years, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and ending with the 2028-2029 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses for school safety and security improvements, to pay teacher and staff compensation, to sustain educational programming for students, to maintain class sizes and ongoing operational expenses?"

Yes, many school districts are seeking additional funding through operational referendums due to an outdated state funding formula and insufficient state support.

Operational referendums have become the “new normal,” with over 85% of Wisconsin districts relying on them. In 2024, a record 148 operational referendums were held statewide. Locally, schools like Traver, Reek, Woods, and Williams Bay depend on operational referendums to meet student needs.

Over the past decade, most Wisconsin districts have successfully passed referendums to exceed revenue limits, making them the only viable solution to prevent cuts to programs and student opportunities.

Lake Geneva Schools worked with industry experts to create a long-range facilities master plan addressing key needs like safety, infrastructure, and learning improvements.

During this process, the following items were identified as critical safety and security infrastructure that are immediately needed to safeguard the overall well-being and education of our students.

• District-Wide Secure Access Electronic Doors and Offices:   $520,000
• Modernize and Update District-Wide Camera System:   $680,000
• Cyber Security, Modern Secure Student and Staff Devices, Student Bus Tracking Safety Software: $280,253

An approved Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District referendum in April would have an estimated property tax impact of $0.78 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Yes. The proposed operational referendum is a non-recurring, four-year referendum. This means it would expire at the end of the 2028-2029 school year unless voters approve a new operational referendum before that time.

If the operational referendum is not approved, the Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District will face a significant budget shortfall. To address this, the district may be forced to consider and implement a combination of, but not limited to, the following measures:

1. Abrupt Closure of an Elementary School

• One of the three elementary schools will close beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
• Grade levels and school boundaries within the district will be reorganized, and students will be reassigned to the remaining two schools.
• Families will lose the option of school choice within the district and must attend their designated home school to balance school sizes and capacities.  

2. Staff Reductions Resulting in Larger Class Size 

• 16-20 full-time positions (including teachers and essential staff) will be eliminated for the 2025-2026 School Year.
• Class sizes will exceed the district’s target range, impacting individual attention and learning quality.

3. Reduced Opportunities for Students

• Academic programs and extracurricular activities will be scaled back or eliminated.
• In-town bussing will be discontinued, increasing walking distances and bus ride times.
• Families will face higher student fees.
• A modified academic calendar will result in fewer instructional days, which will reduce the number of days students are in school learning.

4. Deferred Maintenance and Safety/Security

• Repairs and updates to critical infrastructure (e.g., security cameras, doors, emergency communication (radios and phone systems)) will be delayed, increasing safety risks.

5. Increased Community Costs

• Community fees for facility use will rise (youth groups/sports, community partners, etc.).
• Reduced facility availability to save on operational costs.

Even with these cuts, the district’s financial stability will remain a challenge, deeply impacting the quality of education and community services. If this April 2025 referendum fails, the Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District will have to go back to the community for a future operational referendum. 

The full list of referendums in the state of Wisconsin can be viewed on the Department of Public Instruction website.

Public education is built on the principle that all households—whether or not they have school-aged children—contribute to its funding.

High-quality public schools are essential to a thriving community. They attract young families who boost the local economy and support older adults through income taxes. Strong schools are also linked to higher home values, neighborhood stability, and an improved quality of life for everyone.

When our schools succeed, our entire community thrives. Investing in education is investing in a stronger future for all of us.

The proposed 4-year operational referendum is set to expire at the end of the 2028-2029 school year (June 2029).

During the four years, the district will prioritize enrollment-driven staffing decisions and carefully manage resources to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

The district remains dedicated to balancing the budget, upholding educational excellence, and maximizing every dollar spent. This includes responsible facility maintenance and staffing adjustments based on enrollment trends.

As the referendum concludes in June 2029, the District Administration and Board of Education will review state funding and the district’s financial outlook. They will then determine if another referendum is necessary to sustain current programs and services.

No, this will not impact the district's open enrollment procedure. The Joint #1 School Board has determined the district’s open enrollment seats for the 2025-2026 school year. By state law, this is determined by January each year.

The district is committed to competitive, fair wages for all employees—support staff, teachers, and administrators—because great schools start with great people.

The district office (support staff and administrators) is a shared service. The employees work for two districts (Lake Geneva Joint #1 and Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union (Badger) High School). This shared service model maximizes taxpayer value, creating significant savings for our community while ensuring top-tier leadership for our students. Without this shared service agreement, both districts would have to hire and pay for separate leaders for these critical positions, resulting in increased costs for each district.

Additionally, the majority of our administrative employees work year-round, 260 days, versus a school-year staff member at 190 days.

Click here to view the Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District’s Approved General Fund Budget 2024-2025.

The district has continued its long-standing tradition of excellence while being fiscally responsible.

• The district has made enrollment-driven staffing reductions of certified staff through attrition and realignment based on current educational best practices. The district has reduced over 27 certified staff positions.

• Over the last two school years, the district used their one-time ESSER Grant Funds to cover ongoing costs, which was exhausted in June 2024.
   
• The district reduced its overall building budgets and increased employee contributions to health insurance.
   
• Reduced bussing routes. In 2015 there were 24 elementary routes. Currently, there are 16 elementary routes.
   
• The Boards of Education of Badger and Joint #1 have a Shared Service Agreement. The benefits to our school community include more collaborative coordination of the educational and operational programs K-12. This agreement provides a more efficient use of taxpayer dollars by reducing costs for both districts.

School districts received no increase in per-pupil funding during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. The state indicated that school districts should use one-time federal COVID relief funds (ESSER) to balance budgets. The Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District relied on these one-time funds for recurring costs. However, these funds were spent, but the ongoing expenses our districts have to pay still remain.

If the referendum fails, one potential option is a modified academic calendar. This would involve reducing teacher and staff working days to lower overall operational costs. To align with this change, student instructional time would be adjusted to meet the minimum state required minutes, leading to fewer instructional days and less time in the classroom for students.

Another potential option is for the district to evaluate all non-mandated programs for potential reductions. This means that all non-mandated academic programs and extracurricular activities could be scaled back or eliminated. This includes but is not limited to, music/performing arts, art, foreign languages, STEAM, library and reading programs, after-school clubs and activities, etc. Other associated costs with these programs such as non-required student transportation, custodial staffing, and increased utility costs would also be part of the reduction and cost-savings plan.

Legally, the district will continue to meet all requirements for these students with IEPs and 504 plans, including mandated evaluations, services, and timelines. However, with reduced staff, additional support beyond these legal obligations may be limited. Larger class sizes and staffing reductions could also impact how individualized support is delivered.

The referendum is an important topic that directly impacts our schools, and it was essential for parents to have this information. Flyers sent home through school communication folders are one of several ways we share updates, along with emails, social media, and our website. We understand that preferences vary, but ensuring parents receive critical information remains our priority. We know many of our families still prefer to read district news in a hard copy format versus electronic.

If the referendum fails, we will have to abruptly close an elementary school for next school year (25-26).  If the referendum passes, we will not close a school for the 2025-2026 school year. 

An abrupt school closure for the 2025-2026 school year presents several challenges:

• Limited Time for Planning – With just a few months to adjust, the district would need to quickly determine new school assignments, staffing adjustments, and transportation routes. Grade levels and school boundaries within the district will be reorganized, and students will be reassigned to the remaining schools.

• Disruptions to Students and Families—Families may face new school assignments, lose the option of school choice within the district, and must attend their designated home school to balance school sizes and capacities.

• Staffing and Logistics – Teachers and support staff would need to be reassigned, and resources (like furniture, technology, and materials) would have to be redistributed quickly.

• Emotional and Community Impact – Closing a school can be difficult for students, staff, and the broader community, especially with little time to prepare or transition smoothly.

Long-Term Planning:  

The district started a Community Action Committee (CAC) this year to thoughtfully plan what declining enrollment means for our school system. The CAC has been formed to assess the district’s current operational state, familiarize itself with its enrollment, curriculum, and facility needs, and discuss strategies for continued improvement. The committee will utilize the district’s strategic plan as a guide and district leadership as a resource to complete this effort.  

The following are the primary focus areas for the committee’s efforts:

• District Enrollment Trends: Evaluate the historic, and projected, district enrollment. Further assess the current geographic boundaries, school building capacities, and grade-level configurations.

• Physical Building/Campus: Analyze the current state of the district’s school buildings and sites through the lenses of safety/security, infrastructure, and efficiency.

• Learning Environments: Assess existing learning environments while understanding district curricular advancements, emerging teaching and learning trends, and contemporary educational spaces. 

The committee is asked to develop a series of considerations for the Board of Education in June 2025 that will help guide long-term facility planning. 

As the district and school board continue to assess enrollment trends, facilities, and learning environments, we aim to take time to be thoughtful and strategic —using CAC considerations and other committees to minimize disruption for students and families should any future changes be needed.

Unfortunately, if the referendum fails, we will have to abruptly close an elementary school beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. If this happens, grade levels and school boundaries within the Joint #1 School District will be reorganized, and students will be reassigned to the remaining two schools. All enrolled students will be designated a school within the Joint #1 district to balance school sizes and capacities.

For example, 

Today, we have elementary schools A, B, and C. At this time, families within the Joint #1 School District can choose which one of those elementary schools they want their child to attend. 

If the referendum fails, elementary school A will close, and students from A, B, and C will all be reassigned to B or C. Additionally, the school district is looking at grade configuration to ensure that our buildings can accommodate students, which may result in the district utilizing the current middle school differently. 

• In the above example, a student from closed school A could end up at school B, and a student currently at school C could also end up at school B.

  • The district will strategically reorganize the schools to ensure school sizes are appropriate for the capacities of the remaining buildings and many other educational and staffing factors. As a result, students must attend whatever school they are assigned to and can’t switch to another school in the district.

Yes, enrollment within the Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District has been declining over the past 10 years and is anticipated to continue declining over the next few years. 

According to an enrollment projections analysis for the Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District conducted by the Applied Population Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison, in May 2023, enrollment is projected to decline over the next five years, averaging an 11.0% decrease and continuing to drop after that. For a deeper dive into the data, check out the full report.

The district has made enrollment-driven staffing reductions of certified staff through attrition and realignment based on current educational best practices. The district has reduced over 27 certified staff positions.

However, having fewer students does not necessarily mean less cost. Our students' needs have also increased significantly, particularly in the areas of special education, mental health, students of poverty, and multi-language learners. These represent essential services mandated by state and federal regulations for which the district receives inadequate funding.

Additionally, expenses related to wages and benefits, transportation, and heating and cooling school facilities are rising, along with various other costs beyond the district's control.

Property taxes for a school referendum are based on the assessed value of a home, meaning the higher the home value, the more the owner pays. Wisconsin does not allow different tax rates for different types of properties—everyone is taxed at the same rate.

Lakeside homes, often higher in value, contribute more in taxes than lower-valued homes because their tax is a percentage of their assessed value. Additionally, while some properties may be owned by corporations, tax laws do not distinguish between individual and corporate ownership when it comes to school funding.

State funding is based on a formula that considers district property values, not who owns them. Since our district has higher overall property values, we receive less state aid, requiring more funding to come from local taxpayers.

Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District’s school meals program is primarily funded through a combination of the following sources:

Federal Funding: Administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and managed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), the program receives reimbursement for meals served under: National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

Reimbursement rates vary based on student eligibility for free, reduced-price, or paid meals.

State Funding: Wisconsin provides additional support. The state may supplement meal costs and fund initiatives like milk programs for students.

Student Payments: Students who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals pay a set price for their meals, helping offset costs.

Funds for the school meal program in Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District cannot be used for other budget needs due to federal and state regulations that strictly govern how these funds are allocated and spent. Here's why:

Federal & State Restrictions 

• The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) funds are provided by the USDA and must be used only for food service operations.
• The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) oversees compliance, ensuring funds are used strictly for meals, kitchen equipment, and related expenses.

Separate Fund Accounting

• School meal funds are kept in a designated “Food Service Fund” (Fund 50 in Wisconsin school accounting).
• By law, these funds cannot be transferred to the general fund or used for non-food service expenses like teacher salaries, building repairs, or academic programs.

Compliance & Audits

• The district is required to track and report all food service revenue and expenses.
• Annual audits ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines.

Self-Sustaining Program

• The program is designed to be self-sustaining, meaning it operates independently from the district’s general budget and local taxpayer dollars.
• If there’s a surplus, the money must be reinvested in the food service program (e.g., upgrading kitchen equipment, improving meal quality, or training staff).

In short, meal program funds are strictly limited to supporting school nutrition and cannot be redirected to cover other district expenses.

Yes, Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District, like all public school districts in Wisconsin, is required to undergo an annual financial audit. Our annual audits are conducted by an independent accounting firm to ensure compliance with state and federal financial regulations, proper use of funds, and overall fiscal responsibility.