Referendum November 2026
Sustaining Wisconsin Dells Schools
OPERATIONAL REFERENDUM: NOVEMBER 3, 2026
The School District of Wisconsin Dells is a regional leader in education and a source of immense local pride. However, maintaining the quality of education our community expects has become increasingly difficult due to financial challenges largely beyond our control.
Like all public school districts in our state, Wisconsin Dells Schools operates under a state-imposed revenue limit that restricts the funding we can receive from state aid and local property taxes. This system was established in 1993 and has not kept pace with inflation or the rising cost of educating students.
If school funding had kept pace with inflation since 2009, districts like ours would receive about $3,500 more per student each year. This would amount to approximately $6.3 million in additional spending authority for our schools.
Additional statewide funding decisions have also reduced general aid to public schools, further limiting our ability to meet students’ needs.
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, our community will vote on a recurring operational referendum to provide critical funding for our schools and students. If voters approve the measure, our district will be authorized to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $1.8 million annually.
Challenges From the State Funding Formula
State aid to Wisconsin Dells Schools has fallen from $3.71 million in 2022-23 to $2.22 million in 2026-27. The state aid amount is deducted from our district’s allowable revenue limit, meaning a decrease in state aid increases the tax burden on local property owners and taxpayers.
The revenue limit for Wisconsin Dells Schools also depends on enrollment. Ours is one of the approximately 74% of districts in Wisconsin that have seen its student population decline in recent decades, resulting in less money for operations.
At the same time, statewide decisions have reduced general aid to public schools. In 2025-26, $357.5 million was diverted from general public school aid to private voucher schools, resulting in more than 70% of Wisconsin public school districts seeing a reduction in school aid.
Our students' needs have also increased, especially related to special education. These are expenses for state and federally mandated services for which the district receives inadequate funding.
Without an operational referendum, long-term financial instability could lead to spending down the district’s fund balance or future short-term borrowing.
A Record of Fiscal Responsibility
The Board of Education and administration have reduced costs and have a track record of sound financial management.
Per-pupil spending in the previous school year was around $2,300 below the state average. Our district also decreased long-term debt by $4.55 million since 2022 due to defeasance and prepayment of additional debt in early 2023.
Steps have been taken in recent years to reduce spending, including nearly $1.3 million during the 2025-26 school year. Budget savings in the prior school year included the closure of Lake Delton Elementary School, which produced approximately $386,000 in operational savings. And, our district will have 12 fewer teachers in 2026-27 than it did three years ago.
Despite these measures, we face projected 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.
Our district’s mill rate has fallen more than 24% since 2020, and the board and administration are forecasting a $5.82 mill rate for 2026-27—an all-time low for Wisconsin Dells Schools. Even with an approved operational referendum, the district still expects its mill rate to decline through 2029-30.
With an approved operational referendum on November 3, our district will be able to:
- Avoid further significant teacher and staff reductions
- Maintain class sizes and provide more individual attention for students
- Continue offering robust academic programming and extracurricular activities
- Address maintenance needs in our schools
- Update computers and technology
- Maintain an adequate general fund balance
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the proposed solution to SDWD’s budget challenges?
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, our community will vote on a recurring operational referendum question for the School District of Wisconsin Dells. If this measure is approved by at least 50% of voters, the district will be able to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $1.8 million annually.
We would use these funds to:
- Avoid significant teacher and staff reductions
- Maintain class sizes and provide more individual attention for students
- Continue offering robust academic programming and extracurricular activities
- Update computers and technology
- Address maintenance needs in our schools
- Maintain an adequate general fund balance
What would happen if the operational referendum is not approved?
If the operational referendum is not approved, the Board of Education and administration will be forced to consider reducing programs and services for students, increasing class sizes, limiting or eliminating some extracurricular activities, delaying maintenance projects, and reducing staff.
Based on state funding formulas, an operational referendum is the only option to prevent additional cuts to programming and opportunities for students.
How would an approved operational referendum affect property taxes?
An approved operational referendum in November would not increase property tax rates.
Our district’s mill rate has fallen more than 25% since 2020 and the board and administration are forecasting a $5.82 mill rate for 2026-27, which would be an all-time low for Wisconsin Dells Schools.
Even with an approved operational referendum in November, the district is still expecting its mill rate to fall through 2029-30:
- 2026-27: $5.82
- 2027-28: $5.56
- 2028-29: $5.49
- 2029-30: $5.30
More mill rate information is available at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website, at https://sfs.dpi.wi.gov/sfsdw.
Has the district taken steps to reduce spending?
Yes. Last year, the district reduced spending by nearly $1.3 million, which included the closure of Lake Delton Elementary School. The district will also have 12 fewer teachers in 2026-27 than it did in 2023-24.
Despite these actions, our district still faces budget deficits in the years ahead. An operational referendum is the only option to prevent additional cuts to programs, staff, and opportunities for students.
Are operational referendums common in Wisconsin?
Yes. Nearly 90% of Wisconsin school districts have attempted operational referendums. Over the past decade, more than half of Wisconsin's school districts have received voter approval through successful operational referendums to exceed their revenue limits.
Operational referendums have been a key part of the budget in Wisconsin Dells Schools for many years.
When is election day?
Election day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. More information is available at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us.
Where can I cast my ballot on election day?
District residents can find their polling location for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, by searching with their home address at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Find-My-Polling-Place.
Can I vote absentee in this election?
Yes, voters may request an absentee ballot for any reason. However, you must be registered to vote before you can request an absentee ballot.
If you are registered, you can request an absentee ballot by visiting https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/VoteAbsentee. Note that you must provide a photo ID with your absentee ballot request.
When is the deadline to register to vote?
Eligible voters can register up to election day, and can register at the polls.
The deadline to register by mail or online is October 14, 2026. If you miss this deadline, you can register in person at your municipal clerk’s office until 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026, or at your polling place on election day.
To learn more about registering to vote, visit https://myvote.wi.gov/register-To-Vote.
What is the exact question that will appear on the ballot?
Voters will see the following question on their ballots on Tuesday, November 3, 2026:
Be it resolved by the School Board of the School District of Wisconsin Dells, Sauk, Adams, Columbia, Juneau and Marquette Counties, Wisconsin that the revenues included in the School District budget be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,800,000 beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of maintaining current elementary, middle and high school class sizes, technology equipment, existing career and technical education programming, along with operational costs associated with all school buildings.
