Chippewa Valley Times

The Hudson School District has placed an operational referendum question on the ballot for November 5, 2024. This move comes as a response to state policy that limits school district spending and insufficient state aid increases to match inflation.

"State policy limits how much school districts can spend," states the district's press release. It explains that most funding for school districts comes from a combination of state aid and local property taxes. From 1994 to 2009, revenue limits were adjusted for inflation, allowing districts to meet ongoing needs. However, since the implementation of a state-imposed revenue cap in 2010, many districts have struggled financially.

The release notes that "80% of school districts in Wisconsin have turned to their community voters asking for a levy override in the form of an operational referendum." The Hudson School District is now among those seeking additional funds through this method.

Budget projections extending through the 2028-2029 academic year indicate that without additional funding, the district will face a budget deficit estimated at $7.5 million by that time. These projections consider factors such as wage increases, health benefits, revenue limits, student enrollment, and special education aid.

In addition to financial constraints due to limited state aid adjustments for inflation, the district has also faced declining student enrollment over recent years. The release attributes this decline partly to lower birth rates nationwide and fewer families with school-age children moving into the Hudson area.

Despite these challenges, the district has maintained a "capture rate" of over eighty percent. This term refers to the percentage of school-age children residing in the district who attend Hudson Schools—a rate that has remained stable for more than two decades.

For more information about the November 5th operational referendum and its implications for the Hudson School District, interested parties are encouraged to visit their website or listen to their recent podcast with Dr. Ouellette.