On November 3, residents within the Oconomowoc Area School District will have the opportunity to vote on a recurring operational referendum. If approved, the referendum would close the projected budget deficit. 

District officials have presented factors, such as modest enrollment declines which are spreading across all eight schools and many grade levels, making it difficult to reduce fixed costs like staffing, utilities and transportation. Under the state's funding formula, the loss of revenue resulting from modest enrollment declines far outpaces the district's ability to reduce its operational costs. 

Over the last four years, the Oconomowoc Area School District has reduced staffing by over 49 full-time-equivalent positions and cut over $9.4 million from the budget.

It's a $12.2 operational referendum for operational and maintenance expenses. 

Operational referendums allow school districts to exceed their state-imposed revenue limits, which cap what districts can collect in revenue through general aid and property taxes. These funds may be used for operational costs such as staffing, equipment, and services.

Photo by the Oconomowoc Area School District.