Viroqua School Board votes to send operational referendum question back to the ballot in April

Jan. 16, 2025

VIROQUA, Wis. — At its meeting on Monday evening, the Viroqua Area School Board approved an operational referendum question that will appear on the ballot Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
If voters approve the measure, the district will be allowed to exceed its revenue limit by an additional $1.3 million per year for the next two years.

Viroqua Area Schools has relied on operational referendums since 2004 to fund critical programs and services and avoid staff reductions. The operational referendum, which has been renewed three times in the past two decades, differs from the 2022 building referendum approved by voters for a series of major facility improvements. Funds from a building referendum are not allowed to be used for operational purposes.

Without renewal in April, the district’s operational referendum will sunset at the conclusion of the
current school year.

“Like many of our peers across Wisconsin, our district faces financial challenges that are the result of rising expenses and an outdated state school funding formula, among other factors,” said District Administrator Tom Burkhalter. “We have a history of fiscal responsibility and strive to make the most of the taxpayer funds we receive. However, more resources are needed to ensure our students have the tools they need and the schools they deserve.”

If the referendum is not approved, the Viroqua Area Schools will be forced to consider reducing
programs and services for students, increasing class sizes, limiting or eliminating some extracurricular activities, delaying essential maintenance projects, and reducing staff by an additional 6-10 employees.

A renewed referendum would have an estimated annual school district property tax increase of $11 for every $100,000 of property value. A property valued at $250,000 equates to an increase of approximately $28 per year (or $2.29 monthly) above the current tax rate.
For more information about the district’s financial needs and the proposed solution on the ballot in April, please visit the Viroqua Schools webpage.

Voters voted down a similar operational referendum in November by a very slim margin. 2,491 to 2,460.

According the informational page on the Viroqua Schools website:

Viroqua Area Schools has successfully educated generations of students and served as a source of immense pride in our community. However, like many school districts throughout Wisconsin, we face financial challenges stemming from an inadequate 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, we would receive about $3,200 more per student for the 2024-25 school year.

An operational referendum has long been a source of support since our voters originally approved a referendum in 2004. In the two decades since, this referendum has been renewed on three occasions – 2010, 2015, and 2020 – and allowed us to maintain academic programs and services, keep class sizes small, and avoid staff reductions.

Proposed Solution

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, our community will vote on a non-recurring operational referendum question for the Viroqua Area Schools. If the referendum is approved, the district will be able to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $1.3 million per year for the next two years.

We would use these funds to:

• Maintain class sizes: Ensuring individualized attention for our students.
• Support educational programs: Continue offering robust academic and extracurricular programs.
• Attract and retain quality staff: Competitive salaries and benefits retain dedicated educators and support staff.
• Continue facility maintenance and minor improvements: These investments create a safe and updated learning environment.

Based on state funding formulas, an operational referendum is the only option to prevent additional cuts to programming and opportunities for students.

Property Tax Impact

A renewed referendum would have an estimated annual school district property tax increase of $11 for every $100,000 of property value. A property valued at $250,000 equates to an increase of approximately $28 per year (or $2.29 monthly) above the current tax rate.

Questions or Comments?

Contact Tom Burkhalter, District Administrator
608-637-1186 or  tburkhalter@viroquablackhawk.org