A Win for the Beavers: Community Support Secures Future for Reedsburg Schools

By Phil Turner and Anna Hirschinger

The halls of Reedsburg area schools are filled with a renewed sense of stability this week. On Tuesday, April 7, the community delivered a clear message of support for its students by approving the School District of Reedsburg’s operational referendum.

The measure passed unofficially with a solid margin—2,575 votes in favor and 1,858 against. An official tally is expected this Tuesday after all precincts report. While several neighboring districts—including Baraboo, Wisconsin Dells, Portage, and Sauk Prairie—saw their own ballot measures rejected by voters, Reedsburg stood out as a community united in its commitment to local education.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community for showing up and supporting our schools,” said Superintendent Tom Burkhalter. “This outcome tells us our community believes in our schools and the work happening every day for kids. It also gives us a more stable path forward as we manage our financial challenges.”

Investing in the Classroom

For the educators who work with Reedsburg’s youth every day, the referendum’s passage is a source of immense relief. Ms. Kristin Gesteland, a veteran teacher, noted that the funding is about more than just a budget—it is about the environment where learning happens.

“I voted ‘yes’ because I understand how incredibly important this additional funding will be for our students,” Gesteland said. “Our students deserve a quality education in facilities that keep them safe and comfortable. I am also excited that the district will be able to pay our support staff a higher wage.”

Mr. Kevin Runde, a 36-year educator in the district, emphasized that the vote allows the school to keep pace with a changing world. “Technology is moving so fast it is unbelievable and we need to change and adapt with it,” Runde said. “I truly believe in the School District of Reedsburg and this referendum allows us to maintain and provide the type of education our students deserve.”

Strengthening the Foundation

Beyond the classroom, the referendum addresses critical infrastructure and safety needs. Re-elected School Board President Gary Woolever highlighted that the success of the vote prevents the "difficult decisions" regarding program and staff cuts that neighboring districts may now have to face.

“It will allow us to complete some of the needed maintenance issues that have been put off way too long for lack of funding,” Woolever explained. He cited specific improvements including the installation of additional safety cameras and the modernization of the district’s bus fleet.

Board member Mrs. LuAnn Brey added that the win allows the district to build on successful educational strategies already in place. “Serving as an elected official can prove to be very difficult and stressful during controversial times,” Brey said. “But the rewarding and successful moments, such as our recent referendum, that's what makes it worth it.”

A Vision for the Future

With the financial future secured, the focus shifts toward innovation. For teachers like Mrs. Chris Christensen, the "yes" vote is a bridge to new opportunities, such as expanding dual-credit classes with Madison College and potentially bringing back the French language program.

“By passing the referendum, it shows that our school district is important and valued by the Reedsburg community,” Christensen said.

While statewide data shows that nearly 40% of school referendums failed this cycle, Reedsburg’s success ensures that local students will continue to have the resources needed to become good leaders, well-rounded people, and valuable citizens.

For those leading the charge, the work is deeply personal. Board President Gary Woolever, who was also re-elected to his seat on Tuesday, views the successful vote as a way of paying it forward.

"To be elected, originally, as a write-in and re-elected this many times is very humbling," Woolever said. "I do not take the trust that everyone has put in me lightly. In a small way, I am trying to give something positive back to the community that raised not only me, but also my wife and our two sons. Being involved in the community is important to me."