Quick Facts
Informational Links
- Get the Facts. Know the Impact. Be Informed
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Budget Information Audio Series
- Episode 1: School's Financial Roadmap
- Episode 2: Following the School Dollar
- Episode 3: School Budgets vs. Yours
- Episode 4 - The Explainer
- Episode 5: Enrollment & School Funding
- Episode 6: Unfunded & Underfunded Mandates
- Episode 7: The School Budget Paradox
- Episode 8: The Illusion of Sustainability: Grants vs. Operational Funding
- Episode 9: Two Wallets of School Funding
- Episode 10 - The Growing Gap
- Episode 11 - Oconto's Referendum
- OUSD Budget Information
- Understanding Tax Bills
- Voter Information
Fast Facts
FAST FACTS ABOUT THE NOVEMBER REFERENDUM
💰 1. $900,000 Per Year
The November referendum asks voters to approve $900,000 in additional operating authority each year for five years to help support the day-to-day operation of Oconto Unified School District.
📅 2. Five-Year, Non-Recurring
This referendum would begin with the 2027–28 school year and end after 2031–32. It is not a permanent increase to the District's revenue limit.
🏫 3. Operational — Not Construction
This is an Operational Referendum, which means it supports the daily operation of our schools—not a building project or major construction.
⏳ 4. Previous Authority Has Expired
OUSD previously received voter approval for $800,000 in annual operational funding. That authority has now expired.
📉 5. November's Request Is Lower
The April 2026 referendum requested $1.2 million per year. After listening to community feedback, the District reduced the November request to $900,000 annually.
✂️ 6. Budget Reductions Have Already Been Made
Following the April referendum, OUSD implemented approximately $604,800 in budget reductions and adjustments for the 2026–27 school year.
🌉 7. Fund Balance Is a Temporary Bridge
The District is using a limited amount of fund balance to help close the remaining 2026–27 budget gap. Fund balance is a temporary solution and is not an ongoing source of operating revenue.
👨🎓 8. Enrollment Affects Funding
Student enrollment directly impacts school funding.
📊 In 2025–26:
- 🔹 139 resident students open enrolled out of OUSD
- 🔹 30 students open enrolled into OUSD
📈 9. Costs Have Increased Faster Than Revenue
District operating costs have increased significantly due to inflation, while Wisconsin's base-building per-pupil revenue adjustment was $0 in both 2021–22 and 2022–23.
🏠 10. 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.