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Eleva-Strum Referendum 2026
School District of Eleva-Strum - Operational Referendum - April 2026
Dear Eleva-Strum Community, I want to share important information about a decision the School Board has made for the future of our district. On April 7, voters will see an operational referendum on the ballot. The Board is asking the community to approve a three year, non recurring referendum that would allow the district to exceed state revenue limits by $600,000 per year starting in the 2026–2027 school year. Since 2013, our district has relied on voter approved funding to maintain strong programs and services. The current referendum, approved in 2023 for $700,000 per year, ends this spring. The new request is lower, reflecting our efforts to match our budget to enrollment and operational needs. Operational referendum funds are essential because state funding has not kept up with rising costs. These dollars help us keep qualified staff, update curriculum and technology, support special education and extracurricular programs, and cover rising utility and maintenance costs. Without this funding, we would face difficult cuts that could increase class sizes and reduce course options for students. I encourage all community members to stay informed by reviewing the information on this website, visiting our district website, and contacting me or any School Board member with questions. Thank you, Cory Kulig, District Administrator, School District of Eleva-Strum. #OneELEVASTRUM. VOTE Logo.
Referendum Scope - If approved, the operational referendum funds would go towards: Staffing, Academics, Student Services, and Maintenance.
Financial Impact: Funding for the previous operational referendum ends this school year. The new referendum is for less than previous years, which is why the tax impact shows a reduction in taxes compared to the current year. Taxes are expected to decrease by $23 dollars per year for every $100,000 in equalized property value compared to the current year. Tax Impact Chart: 3 Columns - Equalized Property Value*, Estimated Annual Tax Impact, and Estimated Monthly Tax Impact. For $100,000 equalized property value, the estimated annual tax impact would be -$23.00 and the estimated monthly tax impact would be -$1.92. For $200,000 equalized property value, the estimated annual tax impact would be -$46.00 and the estimated monthly tax impact would be -$3.84. For $228,000 equalized property value, the estimated annual tax impact would be -$52.44 and the estimated monthly tax impact would be -$4.37. For $300,000 equalized property value, the estimated annual tax impact would be -$69.00 and the estimated monthly tax impact would be -$5.75. *Changes in equalized property value, state aid, FTE (Full Time Equivalency) and other variables can result in mill rate and property tax changes. Surrounding Districts Mill Rate Comparison (2025-2026): A mill rate is how much tax you pay for every $1,000 of your property's value. For example, if the mill rate is 10, you pay $10 for every $1,000 your property value is worth. The map below shows that currently, Eleva-Strum has the second-lowest mill rate compared to the surrounding school districts, with a mill rate of $6.46.
Informational Sessions - Want to learn more about the upcoming referendum? Join us at our March & April informational sessions! March 30, 2026 at 6:00-7:00PM in the High School Library and April 1, 2026 at 6:00-7:00PM in the High School Library.
Ballot Question: Shall the School District of Eleva-Strum, Trempealeau and Eau Claire Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $600,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year and ending with the 2028-2029 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses for ongoing maintenance and educational programming? Image of Eleva-Strum ballot box with yellow banner reading: Vote April 7, 2026.
How To Vote: Before Election Day - Check that you are registered to vote. Three bullet points: March 18th - Deadline to Register to Vote by Mail or Online. April 3rd - Deadline to Register to Vote in Your Municipal Clerk's Office. April 7th - Deadline to Register to Vote at Your Polling Place. Find your polling location - Use myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Find-My-Polling-Place and enter your address to find your exact polling location. On Election Day: Bring an acceptable photo ID. 8 bullet points - Wisconsin Driver's License, Wisconsin State ID Card, Student ID Card from WI Institution, U.S. Passport Book or Card, U.S. Uniformed Services ID, Veterans Affairs ID, Certificate of Naturalization, Tribal ID Card. Bring in proof of residence: 7 bullet points - Wisconsin Driver's License or State ID, Utility Bills, Bank or Credit Union Statement, Pay Stub or Paycheck, Residential Lease, Government Documents, Student Documents. Your Voice Matters! Go Out and Vote! #OneELEVASTRUM
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