Chippewa Valley Times

On Monday, August 12, the Board of Education passed a resolution to exceed the revenue cap by $5 million on a recurring basis. This measure aims to address operational, maintenance, and staffing costs within the Hudson School District.

State policy restricts school district spending, with most funding derived from state aid and local property taxes. From 1994 to 2009, revenue limits for school districts were adjusted for inflation, allowing them to meet ongoing needs. However, since the implementation of a state-imposed revenue cap in 2010, approximately 80% of Wisconsin's school districts have sought voter approval for levy overrides through operational referendums.

Without adjustments for inflation in state aid, many school districts have struggled financially. Budget projections extending through the 2028-2029 period indicate that the Hudson School District will face an estimated budget deficit of $7.5 million by that time. These projections consider factors such as wage increases, health benefits, revenue limits, student enrollment, and special education aid.

Additionally, student enrollment has declined over recent years due to lower birth rates nationwide and fewer families with school-age children moving into the Hudson area. Despite this trend, the district has maintained a capture rate—referring to the percentage of resident school-age children attending Hudson Schools—of over eighty percent for more than two decades.

Further information about the November 5 operational referendum is available online.