Hello Hillmen Community.
This Tuesday our district has an operating referendum question on the ballot. It is our goal to provide everyone with accurate information so they make an informed vote. Included below is a financial article that was in last week's Platteville Journal that explains the financial details. I have also attached a graphic and a one-page financial explanation document. We also have more information including videos on our webpage: https://www.platteville.k12.wi.us/page/novoperatingreferendum. Thank you.
It is important to understand the financial factors driving the Platteville School District's upcoming operational referendum on November 5th. Public schools in Wisconsin have a revenue limit, which is the amount of money that school districts can receive through state aid and local property taxes. Our revenue limit, like those of many school districts in the state, has not kept pace with the rising costs of operating a school district. As a result, the gap between the district’s budget and the actual cost of operating our schools has grown significantly. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce costs, including staff reductions, decreased supplies, and healthcare policy adjustments, the school district now seeks an operational referendum to ensure we can continue providing a high quality education for our students.
The Platteville School District is asking voters for a recurring operational referendum of $800,000 each year for the next three years, leveling off in the third year at $2.4 million. This phased approach keeps the tax impact lower and allows the district to add base-building revenue to its operating budget in an environment of stagnant school funding. Recurring referendums enable us to attempt to close the gaps between what has been provided at the state level and what we need to maintain our programming.
If the operational referendum on November 5th is approved by voters, the total amount of property taxes collected by the Platteville School District this year will be lower than last year's total. This reduction is a result of our effective fiscal management of previous school tax levies and debt management strategies. The district successfully paid off a portion of its debt in April 2024 and has also made early prepayments on existing debt, saving thousands of dollars in interest costs. With a voter-approved operational referendum, the total tax levy for 2024-25 is proposed to be $9,546,541. Last year, the total tax levy was $9,583,899, representing a reduction of $37,358. If the referendum is not supported, the tax levy for 2024-25 is proposed to be $9,583,899 (the same amount as the 2023-24 total tax levy), which includes prepaying debt to save on future interest costs. Both proposed scenarios lead to the district's 2024-25 total tax levy remaining at or below last year's level.
The district takes pride in its responsible and transparent management of state, federal, and local funds. The Platteville School District is open about its spending—our school board, composed of nine locally elected officials, approves all expenses, which are shared publicly. The district is also audited each year by an independent financial auditor and the Department of Public Instruction.
In summary, the Platteville School District is committed to providing a high-quality education while remaining fiscally responsible. With rising costs and limited funding increases, the proposed operational referendum is a necessary step to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of all students. By spreading the request over three years, we can reduce the tax impact on local property taxes. This operational referendum will help us maintain the educational foundation built for our community's future and the high levels of learning for every student every day.