Cornell Referendum 2026

Cornell Referendum 2026

Facility & Referendum Overview Video: Watch this video to learn more about the current conditions at Cornell's Middle/High School and about the upcoming April 2026 capital referendum.

April 2026 Capital Referendum Newsletter

Cornell School District - Facility & Referendum Overview.mp4

Cornell Referendum Newsletter - 2025-2026.pdf

Read Dr. Schley's December Focus Article related to the District's April 2026 capital referendum. Image of Cornell Middle/High School.

Focus Article December 2025.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!

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