A semi-annual rite of spring for other school districts in Door and Kewaunee counties, you will see an operational referendum question on the ballot if you live in Luxemburg-Casco School District for the first time. The district is projecting a $3.2 million shortfall over the next three years, pointing the blame at how schools are funded in the face of inflation. The state put a limit on what districts could spend per pupil, and until the 2009-2010 school year, it automatically adjusted to keep pace with inflation. Without the operational referendum, the district could consider cutting staff, reducing transportation and programming, and delaying technology and maintenance upgrades. The district surveyed residents and held a community involvement meeting to get feedback on the potential operational referendum. Superintendent Jo-Ellen Fairbanks says much of the feedback she has received is centered around how this is different from the $27.8 million capital referendum approved by voters in 2018.

Depending on the option put on the ballot, you could see your taxes go up between $119 and $142 per $100,000 of property value. Fairbanks says they will discuss the survey results at its December 20th board meeting with hopes of putting the operational referendum on the spring election ballot.