On April 7, Dodgeville residents will vote on an operational referendum that would allow the school district to exceed state revenue limits by $2.5 million per year for three years.
The purpose of the referendum is to provide stability in the resources needed to operate our schools and continue providing opportunities for our students.
The largest portion of school funding supports the people who work directly with students each day. Teachers, support staff, and other educators are the individuals who help guide learning, build relationships with students, and support their growth. Maintaining competitive wages helps attract and retain the talented people who make those experiences possible.
Another portion of the funding would help stabilize the district’s fund balance, which functions much like a savings account. School revenues do not arrive monthly like many household paychecks. Instead, they are received in a few larger installments throughout the year. A healthy fund balance allows the district to
cover routine expenses such as payroll, utilities, and contracted services during those gaps without having to pay interest on borrowed money.
Funds would also support updates to technology and curriculum used in classrooms. Many instructional devices currently in use have reached or exceeded their expected lifespan, and curriculum resources must be periodically renewed to ensure teachers and students have reliable tools for learning.
In addition, some funds would be used for routine facility maintenance, safety updates around the elementary playground area, and classroom supplies that support day-to-day learning.
“It is important to note that this referendum does not fund new construction or building remodels, and it does not permanently raise taxes. The request is focused on maintaining stability in the programs and services our students rely on today,” noted District Administrator Ryan Bohnsack who also serves the district as business manager.
If the funding model shifts at the state level in the future, the School Board has the authority each October at the Annual Meeting to recommend a lower levy. Community members are encouraged to attend those meetings and participate in those decisions.