Sunday, November 10, 2024
Sunday, November 10, 2024

Milwaukee Press Club 'Excellence in Wisconsin Journalism' 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 Triple GOLD Award Recipients

HomeBreakingWauwatosa Schools Referendums: Taxpayers Asked For Additional $124.4 Million

Wauwatosa Schools Referendums: Taxpayers Asked For Additional $124.4 Million

-

The Wauwatosa School District is asking voters to approve a pair of referendums worth $124.4 million on the Nov. 5 ballot.

But a taxpayer advocacy group believes the district, with declining enrollment, should “right-size” its current budget rather than using a referendum to spend more taxpayer money. The group pointed toward a second planned referendum in 2026 as part of a cycle of tax increases that it believes needs to end.

The group points to a reported $4 million budget mistake by the district as a sign of mismanagement.

The district’s two proposals include $16.1 million per year for four years to fund operational expenses such as salaries and benefits and a $60 million referendum for maintenance and capital projects at Eisenhower, Madison, Roosevelt, Jefferson, and Washington elementary schools, Montessori/Fisher and Wauwatosa East and West high schools.

State law caps how much a district can increase its property tax levy without voter approval.

The district says the first referendum includes $52.4 million to maintain class sizes and academic programs, $8 million to increase teacher compensation and $4 million to update curriculum and materials.

“Because state funding has not kept pace with inflation, the District is facing a budget shortfall of $9.3 million for the 2024-25 school year – and $61 million over the next five years,” the district said. “The District plans to use its fund balance to fill this budget gap for the 2024-25 school year. However, this is not a sound long-term financial strategy.”

Ben Yount - The Center Square
The Center Square contributor

Upcoming Events

To submit an event, click HERE.

Latest Articles