Referendum

REFERENDUM 2021 RESULTS

Voters of the community approved three referenda questions on the April 6, 2021 ballot.

The Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District (Badger) asked to exceed the revenue limit by $750,000 a year on a recurring basis beginning in 2021-2022.

Approved 59.1%:  2,113 yes votes and 1,463 no votes

The Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District (Badger) asked to approve $6,000,000 for renovations, capital maintenance, and upgrades to the 1958 facility.

Approved 60.3%:  2,150 yes votes and 1,415 no votes

The Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District asked to exceed the state-imposed revenue limit by $750,000 a year on a recurring basis beginning in 2021-2022.

Approved 61.9%:  1,584 yes votes and 974 no votes

Thank you for your support! We are grateful for the results of this election and for the ongoing engagement and support of our community. The results affirm the work of many stakeholders in developing these plans for our students, staff, and community.

We take stewardship of our community resources seriously. We are grateful for the trust of our residents. These investments enable us to take important steps forward in addressing critical facility and fiscal needs in our pursuit of continued academic excellence.

Click here to read the full Walworth County election results.

REFERENDUM 2021 District officials are making it a priority to keep the public informed about the needs prompting an April 6, 2021 Referendum.
On December 14, 2020, The Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union (Badger) High School Board approved going to referendum with two questions to appear on the April 2021 ballot. On December 8, 2020, the Lake Geneva Joint #1 School Board approved going to referendum with one referendum question to appear on the April 2021 ballot.

THE PLAN

The Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District will ask voters to approve two referendum questions on the April 6, 2021 ballot to address issues in the District. If approved by voters, the solution will:

  • Provide recurring funds to maintain current district programming and services
  • Renovate the existing high school

The Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District will ask voters to approve one referendum question on the April 6, 2021 ballot to address issues in the District. If approved by voters, the solution will:

  • Provide recurring funds to maintain current district programming and services

THE REFERENDUM BALLOT QUESTIONS Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District

Q1: Shall the Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District, Walworth County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $750,000 beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of ongoing operational expenses, technology and safety upgrades and to maintain current educational programming? 
[   ] YES         [   ] NO
Q2: Shall the Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District, Walworth County, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,000,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of renovations, capital maintenance and updates at the school facilities and site, including safety improvements and technology infrastructure updates, and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment?
[   ] YES         [   ] NO

Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District

Q1: 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 $750,000 beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of ongoing operational expenses, technology and safety upgrades and to maintain current educational programming?
[   ] YES         [   ] NO

TAX IMPACT
We are pleased to announce that Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District has just retired a considerable amount of debt. This has placed our districts in a favorable position to be able to pass the April 6, 2021 referendum questions for Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District and Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District with NO TAX RATE INCREASE for our residents.

  • What does this mean?
    • If voters approve both the recurring funds operational question (Badger Q1) and the renovation to Badger High School (Badger Q2) as well as the recurring funds operational question for Lake Geneva Joint #1 (Joint #1 Q1), residents will see NO INCREASE in their tax rate.

THE NEEDS | SOLUTIONS Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District

NEED Q1:

  • Fixed expenses continue to rise
  • Address increased demands in technology and school safety
  • State aid has decreased substantially over time
  • Overall revenue limits have decreased over time
  • 2020-2021 Badger budget already reduced through staffing reductions by $600,000
  • Need to sustain and enhance educational programming and district operations
  • Maintain optimal class sizes that support learning
  • Retain and attract highly qualified staff
  • Maintain strong academic programs
  • Continue to support a wide array of elective programs

SOLUTION Q1:

  • The District is seeking $750K annually in additional revenue above its current revenue limit. 
  • An operational referendum allows the District to maintain educational programming and class sizes, retain staff, address technology and safety needs.

NEED Q2:

  • Replacement of oldest roofing sections 
  • Technology enhancements
  • Upgrade 1958 portions of Badger High School
    • Remodel of cafeteria/union
    • Replace original main gymnasium bleachers and flooring to provide safe, secure and comfortable environments for students, staff and the community
    • Remodel and secure lobby area and restrooms to meet code and foster a safe and secure environment
    • Renovate the Badger kitchen
    • Address Code, Maintenance, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues throughout 1958 portions of the building 
  • Upgrades to the auditorium, LED lighting and athletic facilities

SOLUTION Q2:

  • $6 million for facility improvements to the existing high school addressing the above needs.

 

Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District

NEED Q1:

  • Fixed expenses continue to rise
  • Address increased demands in technology and school safety
  • Overall revenue limits have decreased over time
  • 2019-2020 Joint #1 budget already reduced through staffing reductions by $1.5 million
  • Maintain optimal class sizes that have effectively helped our elementary schools receive the highest five-star rating by the State of Wisconsin and a National Blue Ribbon designation for Star Center
  • Retain and attract highly qualified staff
  • Maintain strong academic programs
  • Continue to support a wide array of elective programs

SOLUTION Q1:

  • The District is seeking $750K annually in additional revenue above its current revenue limit.
  • An operational referendum allows the District to maintain educational programming and class sizes, retain staff and address safety and technology needs.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday, March 22nd & Tuesday, March 23rd - A brief presentation will begin each evening at 6:00 p.m., followed by Q+A. The meetings will be held in-person in the Badger High School Auditorium (220 E South Street - Enter Door B).
If you'd like to set up a presentation for your group, contact 262-348-1000.

QUESTIONS Please contact Dr. James Gottinger, District Administrator, Lake Geneva Schools at [email protected] or 262-348-1000.

WHEN TO VOTE? Tuesday, April 6, 2021
In-Person Absentee Information:

  • City of Lake Geneva: Monday - Friday | March 23 - April 1 | 9 am - 3 pm
  • Town/Village of Bloomfield: Monday - Friday | March 23 - April 1 | 10 am - 4 pm
  • Town of Geneva: Monday - Friday | March 23 - April 1 | 9 am - 4 pm 
  • Town of Linn: March 23 - April 1 | Monday, 8 am - 6 pm | Tuesday/Wednesday, 8 am - 4 pm |  Thursday, 8 am - 11 am | Friday, 8 am - 4 pm
  • Village of Genoa City: Monday - Friday | March 23 - April 2 | 8 am - 4 pm, open until 5 on April 2
  • Town of Lyons: Wednesday, March 31 from 9 am - 1 pm | Thursday, April 1 from 1 pm - 5 pm 
WHERE TO VOTE? Find My Polling Place

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2023 Intrado Corporation. All rights reserved.