On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Elkhorn Area School District Board of Education made an important decision by unanimously approving a referendum for the April 1, 2025 ballot. The district wants you to know we heard your concerns about the November referendum, and we thank you for your continued collaboration. We are committed to being transparent and your questions are welcome!

Public Concerns from November

School Board Response

Too much money

Reduced from phased-in $7 million annual recurring in November, 2024 to $4 million annually for four years in April, 2025

No end date

Changed from recurring to a four-year non-recurring referendum question

Didn't communicate previous budget cuts well enough

Budget cuts from 2014-15 through present (see below)

Didn't know what would be cut without referendum

School Board reviewed and made recommendations on budget cuts (see below)

A word from the School Board

Click Here for Budget Cut Infographic
Estrategias presupuestarias

What will happen if this referendum fails?

To address financial challenges, the School Board is exploring budget cuts, including transitioning to a center school model, reducing bus routes, shortening the school year, and cutting staff. While these steps aim to streamline operations, they may place additional burdens on families through increased transportation responsibilities and changes in educational access.

Estimated Tax Impact if Approved

Property Value

Monthly Impact

Annual Impact

$100,000

$4.43

$53.14

$200,000

$8.86

$106.28

$300,000

$13.28

$159.41

$400,000

$17.72

$212.56

$500,000

$22.15

$265.70

$600,000

$26.57

$318.84

Checks & Balances

What cost-saving measures is the district taking?

EASD is currently spending $2,404 per student less than the statewide average. In order to operate at that lower expenditure level and provide high-quality instructional programs, we have implemented a number of budget-cutting measures, including:

  • Refinancing & Prepaying long-term debt to reduce interest payments and future debt obligations

  • Renegotiating/rebidding vendor contracts for lower costs on services and supplies/equipment

  • Implemented audits/efficiency studies to lower costs and improve operation efficiency (ie, phone system, cleaning systems)

  • Participating in Co-op purchasing groups to leverage contract terms and reduce costs

  • Implemented various energy use strategies to save on annual utility costs

Budget Cuts & Additional Revenue >

Click here to download the Fact Sheet

Haga clic aquí para descargar la hoja de datos

Information Sessions

The School Board will be hosting several informational sessions for the community to ask questions and learn more about the April 1, 2025 Operational Referendum ballot measure.

Coffee Chats • 8:00 a.m.

February 22 • Perk Up (27 N Wisconsin Street)

February 26 • Vasili's Corner Cafe (26 E Walworth Street)

March 8 • Friends on the Square (41 N Wisconsin Street)

March 12 • The Elk Restaurant (13 W Walworth Street)

March 22 • Friends on the Square (41 N Wisconsin Street)

Community Forums • 6:30 p.m.

February 26 • Chamber of Commerce (203 E Walworth Street)

March 3 • Matheson Memorial Library (101 N Wisconsin Street)

March 17 • Chamber of Commerce (203 E Walworth Street)

On Your Ballot

Shall the Elkhorn Area School District, Walworth County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $4,000,000 per year for four years, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and ending with the 2028-2029 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses related to maintaining current instructional programs and class sizes, staffing, ongoing safety, and facility maintenance?

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Voter Information

Additional Questions?

Email referendum@elkhorn.k12.wi.us or call 262-723-3160.

School District Funding 101