After failing to pass one in the spring, the Southern Door School District may ask voters to consider an operational referendum this fall.
The district announced its intentions Thursday after a series of special meetings focused on its financial outlook.
In April, voters rejected an operational referendum by a vote of 2,031 to 1,603. The measure would have allowed the district to exceed the state revenue limit by $3.15 million annually for three years. District officials said the additional funding would support day-to-day operations and address emerging needs, including maintaining programs and services.
A month later, more than a dozen positions were cut, including one elementary school teacher, two middle school teachers and five high school teachers. A pay freeze was instituted for all employees, three sports programs were eliminated, co-curricular assignment pay and travel were cut, and computer and student device replacements were delayed.
The sports programs were later reinstated with support from the Southern Door Booster Club.
The cuts totaled approximately $1.78 million, but the district said it is still facing a $1.67 million budget deficit.
"Like many school districts across Wisconsin, we are facing financial challenges that require us to carefully evaluate how we can continue providing the high-quality educational opportunities our students deserve," Superintendent Dr. Kevin Krutzik said. "The board's decision to explore an operational referendum for November is an important step in that process. We are committed to engaging our staff, families and community members as we evaluate our options."
By reducing the specific categories a new operational referendum would address, the district expects the amount requested would be less than the $3.15 million sought in April.
The Sturgeon Bay School District is also exploring a possible operational referendum this fall.
Both districts will participate in a Joint Review Board meeting with Sturgeon Bay officials next week as they explore potentially expanding tax increment districts in the city, which could further affect the schools' finances.
Decisions on both districts' referendum questions will be discussed at upcoming school board meetings.
