RESPONSE: If the referendum passes, the district will be moving forward with hiring a construction manager and architectural firm. Then the district will work with these organizations to design a more detailed timeline and schedule, so that there will be a minimal impact to the learning environment.  Some work could begin as early as summer 2026. 

RESPONSE: The School District of Mellen serves as the heart of our community, a place where students learn, families gather, and traditions thrive. As a central hub for education and connection, it is essential that our facilities remain safe, well-maintained, and up to date. By investing in the care and improvement of our schools, we ensure that every student has access to a secure and supportive environment that reflects the pride and values of our community.

To ensure our schools remain safe, functional, and welcoming, the School District of Mellen is committed to a proactive approach in maintaining and improving our facilities. The District will be asking the community to support a $2 million referendum on April 7, 2026. Together, we can ensure that our schools are secure, modern, and equipped to serve generations to come.

These projects are not just about buildings—they’re about creating an environment where students can thrive, families feel confident, and the community continues to have a central hub for learning and connection.

RENOVATIONS

• • Science Lab Renovations

  • Gym Floor Replacement

  • Student Locker Replacement

  • FF&E Updates (furniture, fixtures, and equipment)

CAPITAL MAINTENANCE

• • 1992 Elementary Roof Replacement

  • Remodel Office Bathroom

  • Doors & Entryways

    • Exterior doors maintenance and tech. ed, walkway by Door H,

  • damaged floor repairs at multiple entrances

  • Compressor Replacement for Existing Freezer

SAFETY & SECURITY

• • Back Parking Lot Repavement & Sitework

RESPONSE: If voters do not support the referendum on April 7th, many critical facility needs will remain unaddressed. These include school safety concerns, learning spaces that do not align with modern learning standards, and imminent capital maintenance repairs and replacements. Project costs will continue to become more expensive as construction costs naturally rise due to inflation each year. The School Board and Administration would likely return to the community for additional feedback early next year and then begin planning to return to voters again to address our unresolved facility’s needs.

RESPONSE: 

• Elementary Roof Replacements

•  Science Lab Renovations - Updating the science lab to support hands-on learning and STEM education.

• Gymnasium Floor Replacement – Replacing the aging gym floor will ensure a safer, more reliable, and long-lasting space for students, athletes, and community events.

• Back Parking Lot - Enhancing safety for students, families, and staff during arrival and dismissal.

• Doors and Entryways - Upgrading specific doors and entry points to enhance security and accessibility as needed.

• Replace High School Lockers

• Remodel Office Bathroom

• Replace Existing Freezer Compressor

• Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment updates 

RESPONSE: 

• Good schools bring in younger families, who stimulate the local economy and, in turn, support older adults through income taxes

• Quality schools have been shown to lead to higher home values, stability in the community and a higher quality of life for residents

• Public education relies on the idea that all households, both with and without school aged children, contribute to funding

• This school district is the heart of the community; the investment in our schools will impact our community as a whole.

RESPONSE: Your property taxes went up this year due to changes from several taxing bodies—not because of a new decision by the Mellen School District. The school portion of your taxes only changed within the normal state funding formula, not because of any added spending or new referendum. The increase you saw is separate from any future school funding decisions and was not caused by the district. Here is a great video resource that better explains Wisconsin school finance: https://youtu.be/Jy2bueJvq_Q 

Only the normal, state‑controlled school funding portion went to the Mellen School District—not an extra amount. 

Wisconsin sets a strict limit on how much money every school district is allowed to collect each year. This is called the revenue limit, and it combines: 

• State funding, plus 

• Local property taxes 

If the state does not increase its school funding enough in a given year, the local share automatically rises to make up the difference. This is built into Wisconsin’s funding formula—not something the district chooses. 

So while a portion of your overall increase does go to the school district, it is only the amount required under the state funding system, not a new increase created by the district itself. 

There have been no new referendums or new tax‑raising actions by the Mellen School District that would cause a sudden spike. 

RESPONSE: The tax levy is the portion of the budget that is funded through local property taxes. Local property taxes and state aid are the two most significant sources of revenue for the school district. Federal aid and local fees are other revenue sources.

The tax base is the total value of all property in the district that is subject to local property taxes.

The tax levy divided by the tax base is the tax rate. It is expressed in terms of dollars per thousand, or a mill rate. With the current mill rate at $5.47, property owners pay $5.47 for each $1,000 of property to support the local school district.

K-12 state average mill rate for Wisconsin = $7.09

Data gather from: https://sfs.dpi.wi.gov/safr_ro/all_mill_rate.asp?year=2026

RESPONSE: Not while on school property, during work time or as a “representative” of the district. There are strict rules governing staff advocacy and discussions around referendum communications. They are allowed to inform the community about the projects and direct them to the school website for more information as well.   Please reach out to Sheri Kopka, superintendent, for guidance.

RESPONSE: There are two main sources of school funding: property taxes from local property owners and general school aid from the state. Schools use a combination of these main revenue sources to maintain facilities and operations. A combination of property taxes and general school aid cannot exceed revenue limits determined by the state. Mellen received a total of $2,002,225 in state aid for the 2024-2025 school year, and $1,965,388 in 2025-2026.

RESPONSE: Revenue limits are state imposed ceilings that limit school district budgets. A successful referendum is the only way school districts can increase the revenue limit. It’s an opportunity for community members to have a direct say in the way their tax dollars are spent inside their local schools, affecting local families and the community as a whole.

RESPONSE: Revenue limits were established in 1993. School district spending was based on the 1993 spending level per pupil in the district and subsequent increases have been determined by the state. Consequently, revenue limits vary by district. 2023 revenue limits range from $10,347 per pupil to $24,624 per pupil. In 2023 the Low Revenue Limit threshold was $11,000 per student. Mellen presently is at the low revenue limit threshold.