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Cornell Referendum 2026
Picture of Cornell's high school exterior. Read Dr. Schley's October Focus Articles related to the District's upcoming April 2026 capital referendum.
Focus Article October 2025 Part I.pdf
Focus Article October 2025 Part II.pdf
Gold Button: Click Here to Read Dr. Schley's Past Focus Articles
April 2026 Referendum Financial Information: On August 25th Baird and PMA (the District’s financial consultants for the upcoming April referendum) presented on important financial information at the board of education’s meeting. The District was provided with information on both the referendum financing plan and the anticipated tax impact.
Baird and PMA Cornell School District Referendum Planning Presentation.pdf
School District of Cornell April 2026 Referendum Financing Plan.pdf
School District of Cornell Summary of Hypothetical Referendum Tax Impact.pdf
Tax Impact Table Including: Property Value, Estimated Annual Tax Increase, and Estimated Monthly Tax Increase. For a Property Value of $100K, there would be a Estimated Annual Tax Increase of $200, which would come out to be a Estimated Monthly Tax Increase of $16.67. For a Property Value of $200K, there would be a Estimated Annual Tax Increase of $400, which would come out to be a Estimated Monthly Tax Increase of $33.33. For a Property Value of $300K, there would be a Estimated Annual Tax Increase of $600, which would come out to be a Estimated Monthly Tax Increase of $50.
2024-2025 Mill Rate Comparison: The 2024-25 Mill Rate Comparison visual showcases a mill rate comparison for the 2024-25 school year for CESA 10 school districts. The light blue bar shows where Cornell currently falls. The purple bar shows where Cornell would fall if the April 2026 Referendum were to pass. The yellow bar indicates the average mill rate for K-12 schools within the state. Graph from PTMA Financial Solutions and Baird that represents the 2024-2025 Mill Rate Comparison from CESA 10 School Districts. Between nine dollars and seven dollars and seventy-five cents, in order from highest to lowest, are districts: Spencer*, Abbotsford*, Augusta*, Ladysmith*, Gilmanton, Greenwood, Cadott Community*, Loyal, Fall Creek*, and Gilman. Then the State K-12 Average is just over seven dollars. Just below the State K-12 Average is Cornell's Mill Rate (with referendum)**. Between seven dollars and five dollars, in order from highest to lowest, are districts: Eau Claire Area*, Mondovi*, Osseo-Fairchild*, Altoona*, Eleva-Strum*, Owen-Withee*, Bloomer*, Colby*, Thorp*, Stanley-Boyd Area, New Auburn, Chippewa Falls Area*, Medford Area*, Neillsville*, Bruce, Flambeau, Lake Holcombe, Cornell (without referendum), and Granton Area*. Source: Department of Public Instruction. *19 Districts with a Referendum-Approved Debt Levy. **Cornell Referendum Estimate assumes a $15 million Debt Referendum amortized over 21 years with planning interest rates of 5.00-5.50%. Thirteen CESA 10 districts also levied for an operational referendum in 2024-2025.
Community Meetings: Join us during the dates and times to the right to learn more about the upcoming referendum! District-provided childcare will be available in the gymnasium at the February and March community meetings. Image of Cornell School District's Community Presentation below text.
Calendar Graphic: Click here to learn more about the November 6 community meeting highlights
Calendar Graphic: Cornell School District's second Community Meeting will be held on March 9, 5PM-6PM and 6PM-7PM
Calendar Graphic: Cornell School District's third Community Meeting will be held on February 5, 5PM-6PM and 6PM-7PM
Calendar Graphic: Learn more about the upcoming community meetings here! Spiral Arrow pointing right.
Cornell Middle/High School Site Plan & Renderings: The District is currently developing tentative site plans and renderings for proposed new construction at the Cornell Middle/High School. This work is being done in collaboration with CESA 10 Facilities Management and River Valley Architects to refine floor plans and gather preliminary cost estimates. These plans are part of a proposal that will only move forward if approved by voters in the April 2026 referendum. While cost estimates are not yet finalized, they will be shared with the community once available. Please note that the site plans and renderings are preliminary and subject to change.
2025.04.14 Cornell MS-HS Schematic Plans.pdf
Cornell Facility Audit: The District hired an outside vendor to come in and assess our facilities. The facility audit identified numerous facility improvement measures. The recommendations in this report aim to improve failing and inefficient equipment, systems, and facilities and reduce energy consumption. Additionally, this report provides cost estimates associated with each improvement measure. The report recommendations are meant to assist with maximizing capital investment impact, advance our learning environment, conserve energy, and reduce operating and maintenance costs.
Cornell School District Facility Audit Report & Matrix.pdf
Cornell School District Facility Audit Presentation
Cornell School District Receives Facility Audit Report.pdf
April 2026 Referendum Timeline: December 2024 - February 2025: The Cornell School District enlisted CESA 10 to perform a facility analysis of existing buildings. March 24, 2025: School Board Meeting with presentation from CESA 10 regarding the facility audit. April - May 2025: The Cornell School District and School Board determined the scope of work and the estimated costs. June - July 2025: The scope of work, concept, and estimated costs were confirmed with the design firm. August 14, 2025: The Cornell School District hosted an Open House from 3PM-7:30PM. September 22, 2025: The final resolution for the April 2026 Referendum was approved and submitted. November 6, 2025: The Cornell School District held their first Community Meeting at Cornell Middle/High School from 5PM-6PM and 6PM-7PM.
Upcoming Timeline: February 5, 2026: Community Meeting #2 at Cornell Middle/High School from 5PM-6PM and 6PM-7PM. March 9, 2026: Community Meeting #3 at Cornell Middle/High School from 5PM-6PM and 6PM-7PM. April 7, 2026: Vote on or before April 7, 2026!
              
Cornell School District. Questions? Contact us today!
Dr. Paul M. SchleySuperintendent, Elementary School Principal, Director of Special Educationpmschley@cornell.k12.wi.us
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