Kenosha school board votes to put $115M referendum on February ballot
KENOSHA, Wis. - The Kenosha Unified School District Board of Education voted on Tuesday night, Nov. 19 to place an operational referendum question on the ballot for February 18, 2025.
If approved by voters, the measure would allow the district to increase its revenue limit by $23 million per year, through the 2029-30 school year.
"Our schools have proudly served generations of students in our community," said Superintendent Dr. Jeff Weiss. "However, our district is facing the same financial challenges as most others across Wisconsin. An operational referendum is necessary to ensure all students have an equal opportunity to prepare for college and/or careers with the support of highly qualified educators in a learning environment that is resource rich, safe and welcoming."
If the operational referendum is approved, it would have an estimated initial property tax impact of $1.25 per year on every $1,000 of equalized property value in the community.
If the referendum doesn't pass, the district says they will start the next school year with a $19 million deficit.
Kenosha school threat; district focusing on students, safety reviews
The Kenosha Unified School District released a statement to the community on Monday, Nov. 11, addressing the school threat incident at Roosevelt Elementary School.
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The district says they would use the funding provided through an approved referendum to implement its goal of increasing the percentage of students scoring proficient or advanced in reading and math, retaining staff, and enhancing safety and security in buildings.
Updates can be found at kusd.edu/referendum.