RESOURCES

January 19, 2024

Lake Country School Board Approves Referendum Resolutions for April 2, 2024, Election 

The Lake Country School District is excited to announce that the School Board has unanimously approved resolutions at their meeting on Monday night for a crucial referendum vote, scheduled to take place on April 2, 2024. This significant event marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to exceptional education while addressing the district's budgetary and facility needs.

The referendum comprises two distinct and vital questions, addressing both immediate and long-term needs within our school district.

Operational Revenue Limit Ballot Question:

"BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of the Lake Country School District, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, that the revenues included in the School District budget be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $450,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, $650,000 for the 2025-2026 school year, $850,000 for the 2026-2027 school year, $1,050,000 for the 2027-2028 school year, $1,200,000 for the 2028-2029 school year, $1,400,000 for the 2029-2030 school year, and $1,600,000 for the 2030-2031 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational expenses, including but not limited to maintaining curriculum programs and services."

This non-recurring referendum is an operational referendum. An operational referendum provides funding for annual operating expenses.

Capital General Obligation Ballot Question:

"BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Lake Country School District, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, that there shall be issued, pursuant to Chapter 67, Wisconsin Statutes, General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of: district-wide safety, security, building systems, parking lot, and technology infrastructure improvements."

We recognize the importance of maintaining high-quality educational facilities and ensuring our students receive the high quality education our community expects.

These referendum questions are designed to secure the necessary resources to “reset” the district's budget and preserve our school's status as a cornerstone of our community and a leader in education within the state of Wisconsin.

THREE-PRONGED APPROACH TO ENSURE STABILITY AND SUCCESS

Through these referendum questions, we believe we have a plan that builds a strong and sustainable budget while addressing identified facility issues.

1. District Actions:  First, we're making strategic choices in the district. The District understands that in order to meet our budgetary needs well into the future, reductions and adjustments to our budget will be necessary.  Items such as staffing levels, benefits, and adjusting class size levels, and others potential opportunities are currently being reviewed.

2. Reduce Operating Costs through Capital Referendum:  Second, we're addressing school infrastructure to save money. Implementing capital improvements such as HVAC replacement, roofing, and entry door efficiencies will help reduce operating costs and allow those savings to be directed back into our budget for student needs well into the future.

3. Community Investment:  Lastly, the community plays a pivotal role in our comprehensive strategy. While the District implements cost cutting measures and savings through operational efficiencies, the need for additional operational dollars remains. Based upon our projections, the need for an operational referendum will help the district meet our current and future budgetary needs and allow us to continue our exceptional education and high quality staff.

District Administrator Chad Schraufnagel expressed his optimism about the referendum, stating, “Through insightful community facility meetings and recent survey feedback, it's evident that our community recognizes the need to address our difficult budget concerns while tackling identified facility issues. We value the participation of our community members as they play a vital role in the success of our students and school district."

Schraufnagel added his hope that community members will understand the critical importance of all three aspects of the approach - District budget reductions, operational efficiencies through infrastructure improvements, and community investment - need to work together to be successful. 

The Lake Country School District encourages all eligible voters within the district to educate themselves and participate in the April 2, 2024 referendum vote. 

NEXT STEPS

In the coming weeks we will share updated information on the Lake Country Referendum 2024 website at https://bit.ly/lakec-ref24 as well as through social media, open house opportunities, meetings with community groups, a detailed community mailer, and more.