At the January 12, 2026, the school board will discuss an operational referendum ballot question for the election on April 7, 2026.
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Ballot Language
Shall the Oakfield School District be authorized to exceed state revenue limits on a non-recurring basis by $700,000.00 for the 2026-27 school year, $925,000.00 for the 2027-28 school year, $1,275,000.00 for the 2028-29 school year, and $1,375,000.00 for the 2029-30 school year to maintain School District programs and operations?
EXPLANATION
The referendum election ballot will ask District electors to vote “yes” or “no” on the referendum election question set forth above. A “yes” vote on the referendum question would authorize the Oakfield School District to include $700,000 of revenue, in excess of the state’s revenue limit, in the District’s annual budget for the 2026-2027 school year, $925,000 of revenue, in excess of the state’s revenue limit, in the District’s annual budget for the 2027-2028 school year, $1,275,000 of revenue, in excess of the state’s revenue limit, in the District’s annual budget for the 2028-2029 school year, and $1,375,000 of revenue, in excess of the state’s revenue limit, in the District’s annual budget for the 2029-2030 school year. The District would be authorized to use such revenue to maintain School District programs and operations.
A “no” vote on the referendum would deny the Oakfield School District authority to include $700,000 of revenue, in excess of the state’s revenue limit, in the District’s annual budget for the 2026-2027 school year, $925,000 of revenue, in excess of the state’s revenue limit, in the District’s annual budget for the 2027-2028 school year, $1,275,000 of revenue, in excess of the state’s revenue limit, in the District’s annual budget for the 2028-2029 school year, and $1,375,000 of revenue, in excess of the state’s revenue limit, in the District’s annual budget for the 2029-2030 school year.
In the event a majority of the electors voting on the referendum question vote “yes,” the District will be authorized to exceed the state’s revenue limit by $700,000 in the 2026-2027 school year, $925,000 in the 2027-2028 school year, $1,275,000 in the 2028-2029 school year, and $1,375,000 in the 2029-2030 school year; if a majority vote “no” on the referendum question, the District will not be so authorized.
What does Non-Recurring Mean?
The word recurring means “occurring again periodically or repeatedly.” In a recurring referendum, there is an amount of dollars added each year in perpetuity. The word non-recurring means “not occurring repeatedly or occurring one time only.” In a non-recurring referendum, the amount of dollars is added on a temporary basis (number of years specified).
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Since 1992, Wisconsin school districts have been primarily funded by a combination of state aid and local property taxes. Each school district in Wisconsin has a revenue limit created by the state budget. This limit caps the amount of money a district can receive through state aid and local property taxes. A district’s revenue limit is directly linked to two things: enrollment and state-approved adjustments. In most cases across the state, the revenue limits have not kept pace with inflation. In 2009, the Wisconsin Legislature removed the adjustment for inflation in the revenue limit and caused a decrease in school funding.
School boards can ask voters to pass an operating referendum. An operating referendum allows the district to raise its revenue limit authority. Most districts in the state have used operating referendums to meet their budget challenges.
The School District of Oakfield has had numerous Operating Referendums to ensure the financial stability of the district. We are in need of renewing our current operating referendum of $1.1 million in April of 2025.
A school district can only place a referendum question on a ballot after going through an official process. The referendum process starts when a school board adopts a resolution to exceed the limit. The permission to exceed the revenue limit can be for either recurring or nonrecurring purposes, i.e., can continue indefinitely or be only for a set period.
The school district clerk must then submit the referendum to voters at the next primary or general election, as long as at least 70 days pass between the resolution’s adoption and the election. *Info provided by the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau
The school board plays a crucial role in crafting the referendum proposal, setting the funding amount, and determining how the additional funds will be allocated. Board members also communicate with the community to build support.
Oakfield has consistently worked to build a strong educational system, and maintaining the progress we’ve achieved is vital. Ensuring our school buildings remain vibrant, functional spaces for students and staff is a key priority.
In 2022, our community united to pass a $16 million capital referendum. This funding enabled our schools to address critical needs, including:
ADA compliance and monitored and secured entrances to enhance accessibility and safety.
Upgrades to major building systems, such as plumbing, electrical, LED lighting, HVAC, and roof replacements.
Modernization of classrooms and common areas in our Middle and High Schools, offering students access to diverse learning experiences.
Key improvements included:
Modernized shop/tech classroom for welding, woodworking, and auto mechanics.
Dedicated music classrooms, eliminating the need for students to walk between buildings for classes.
A new addition for middle school students, featuring flexible seating and hallway spaces designed for collaborative teacher-student small group work.
Classrooms specifically designed to support the needs and learning of our special education students.
Expanded and redesigned health rooms.
Additionally, extensive upgrades were made to bathrooms, HVAC, lighting, and plumbing, ensuring our facilities remain efficient and conducive to learning.
This investment reflects our commitment to providing a safe, accessible, and innovative environment for all students.
This is a pivotal time for our district, and we deeply appreciate your continued support and involvement as we work to secure the resources necessary to make Oakfield the best small district in Wisconsin. I am committed to fostering a thriving community and ensuring our students receive the highest quality education possible.
The word recurring means “occurring again periodically or repeatedly.” In a recurring referendum, there is an amount of dollars added each year in perpetuity. The word non-recurring means “not occurring repeatedly or occurring one time only.” In a non-recurring referendum, the amount of dollars is added on a temporary basis (number of years specified).
School districts may initiate two types of referendums to increase funding. First, a district may hold a referendum to issue debt for a specified purpose. These are often referred to as “capital referenda,” because the funds are typically (but not always) for construction and other large capital projects. This is what the community of Oakfield so graciously supported in April of 2022 for the renovation and addition at the Middle School/High School as well as updates at the Elementary School. A capital referendum provides the authority to issue a certain amount of bonds/notes to pay for a capital project.
An operating referendum pays for things such as utilities, routine maintenance, salaries and benefits, supplies, etc. The goal in Oakfield is to not raise taxes but to maintain the funding at our current levels. The District will be seeking the renewal of our current operating referendum that allows us to levy up to $1.1 million dollars beyond the revenue limits.
School district residents can vote at their regular polling location on Tuesday, April 7. 2026. You can find voting and registration information at https://myvote.wi.gov/
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