Strong Schools - Strong Communities
Operating Referendum with projected no increase in tax rate
The School District of Osceola and the Community of Osceola have a reputation for providing exceptional education and programs. We are proud of our past accomplishments and strive for continual improvement and excellence.
In the spring of April 2020, the School District of Osceola Taxpayers supported two separate referendum questions:
Operational: $1,000,000 for two (2) years, non-recurring. (Passed 1893-1019)
Debt: $10,000,000 for facility needs. (Passed 1867-1031)
The 2020 Operating Referendum expires this year and in order to maintain the current educational programming, offerings and services, we will again be asking to exceed state imposed revenue limits. We are NOT alone in this financial challenge. There are over 100 districts in the State of Wisconsin that fund at a minimum 10% of their operating budgets through taxpayer-approved operational referendums and there will be 49 operating questions on the ballot this Spring state-wide.
The School Board approved a question to be on the ballot for April 5, 2022. The resolution asks taxpayers to allow the district to exceed state imposed revenue caps commencing with the 2022-23 school year by an amount of $1,000,000 for the 2022-23 school year and $3,000,000 for the 2023-24 school year. If approved, the District estimates that there would be no increase in the overall tax rate. While there is no way to predict how each household will be impacted, the overall tax rate will not increase.
When schools are strong, the community thrives. Strong schools attract businesses and families which increase the real estate values, spread the tax impact and bring more students into the school district. The competition to attract families and businesses is real, and continuing to provide a high quality education and experiences to our students will support the Osceola Community.
More information on the operating referendum will continue to follow.
Respectfully,
Mark Luebker, Superintendent
