November 3, 2026 Operational Referendum

$900,000 per year • 5 years • 2027–28 through 2031–32 • Non-Recurring

On November 3, Oconto Unified School District residents will consider a five-year, non-recurring operational referendum for District operation and maintenance costs.

Our role is to provide clear, factual information about the referendum question, OUSD's financial picture, the estimated impact, actions already taken by the District, and what the outcome would mean for district operations.

🏠 Estimated Tax Impact

The current estimate is approximately:

💲 $0.20 per $1,000 of equalized property value

➡️ That's about $20 per year for a $100,000 home.

The referendum-related tax impact would first appear on property tax bills payable in 2028. Actual amounts may vary based on future property values, state aid, and other tax factors.

How Did We Get Here?

📌 Here's why:

⏳ Previous Operational Funding Has Expired The District's previous voter-approved $800,000 annual operational authority has ended.

👨🎓 Declining Student Enrollment Fewer students means less state funding for the District.

🏫 Open Enrollment Impacts Revenue More resident students are choosing to attend schools outside OUSD than are enrolling into the District, reducing available revenue.

📈 Operating Costs Continue to Rise The cost of utilities, transportation, supplies, insurance, staffing, and other daily expenses has increased significantly.

💲 State Revenue Hasn't Kept Pace with Inflation During key years, Wisconsin's school revenue-limit increases did not keep up with the rising cost of operating schools, making it more difficult to balance the budget.

🦠 Federal COVID Relief Funding Has Ended Temporary federal pandemic funding helped schools for a limited time but is no longer available to support ongoing operations.

💙💛 What Changed Since April?

📅 Here's what changed:

💰 Previous Operational Authority Expired OUSD's previous $800,000 annual voter-approved operational authority has expired, creating an ongoing funding gap.

❌ April 2026 Referendum Was Not Approved The April referendum asked voters to approve $1.2 million annually, but it did not pass.

✂️ Nearly $605,000 in Budget Reductions Following the April election, OUSD implemented approximately $604,800 in budget reductions and adjustments for the 2026–27 school year.

📉 A Reduced Request After reviewing the budget and listening to community feedback, the District reduced the referendum request from $1.2 million to $900,000 per year.

📆 Temporary, Five-Year Authority The November referendum asks voters to approve $900,000 annually for five years, beginning with the 2027–28 school year. This authority is non-recurring and will automatically expire after the 2031–32 school year.

💙💛 What Did OUSD Do After the April Referendum Did Not Pass?

After the April referendum was not approved, Oconto Unified School District took immediate steps to reduce expenses and responsibly manage the 2026–27 budget. In total, the District implemented approximately $604,800 in budget reductions and adjustments.

✂️ Here's what changed:

👩🏫 Staffing Reductions The District reduced staffing levels in selected areas to help lower ongoing operating costs.

🚪 Positions Were Not Replaced When employees resigned or retired, some positions were left unfilled rather than being replaced.

🔄 Internal Restructuring Departments and responsibilities were reorganized to improve efficiency while continuing to provide services to students.

🧹 Custodial Reduction The District reduced custodial staffing as part of its overall cost-saving efforts.

🏈 Activities & Athletics Budget Reductions Funding for activities and athletics was reduced to help close the budget gap while continuing to offer opportunities for students.

💵 Total Budget Adjustments These actions resulted in approximately $604,800 in budget reductions and adjustments for the 2026–27 school year.

🗳️ Continuing to Plan Responsibly These reductions were made before asking voters to consider the November operational referendum, demonstrating the District's commitment to managing resources responsibly while continuing to support students and educational programs.

💙💛 What Happens If the Referendum Is Not Approved?

If the November operational referendum is not approved, Oconto Unified School District would need to reduce its annual operating budget by at least $900,000, beginning with the 2027–28 school year.

⚠️ No specific positions, programs, or services have been identified for reduction at this time. Any future decisions would be made through the District's annual budget process after careful review and consideration.

📋 Areas That Could Be Reviewed

If additional budget reductions become necessary, the District may need to evaluate areas such as:

👩🏫 Staffing Levels & Class Sizes Review staffing needs and the potential impact on class sizes.

📚 Academic Programs & Student Opportunities Evaluate courses, educational programs, electives, and other learning opportunities available to students.

❤️ Student Support Services Review services that support student learning, wellness, and success.

🏈 Activities & Athletics Consider adjustments to extracurricular activities, clubs, and athletic programs.

🚌 Transportation & Daily Operations Evaluate transportation services and operational efficiencies across the District.

💻 Technology, Equipment, Maintenance & Capital Needs Review technology purchases, equipment replacement schedules, facility maintenance, and other infrastructure needs.

🏫 District & Building Services Assess administrative, operational, and building-level services to identify additional efficiencies.

💙💛 What Would the $900,000 Support if the Referendum Is Approved?

📚 The Additional Funding Would Help Support:

👩🏫 Staffing & Instruction Helping maintain teachers, classroom staff, and high-quality instruction for students.

🎓 Academic Programs & Student Opportunities Supporting educational programs, electives, career and technical education, fine arts, and other learning opportunities.

❤️ Student Services Providing services that support students' academic success, health, safety, and well-being.

🚌 Transportation Helping fund the safe and reliable transportation of students to and from school and school activities.

💻 Technology & Classroom Needs Supporting classroom technology, instructional resources, devices, software, and other educational tools students and staff use every day.

🏫 Facilities, Maintenance & Utilities Helping maintain safe, clean, and well-functioning school buildings, while covering utility and maintenance costs necessary to operate our schools.