Dear Editor,
Many people in our community have asked what could happen if the upcoming referendum does not pass. While no one can predict the future with certainty, there are some outcomes one should reasonably expect based on the financial position of the district today.
First, our financial rating could continue to face pressure. Earlier this year the district received a downgrade in its Standard & Poor’s bond rating. That rating affects the interest rates used when borrowing money. Recovering from a downgrade typically takes several years of strong financial stability, and when a rating drops it generally means higher borrowing costs in the future.
Second, the district will likely continue to face challenges attracting and retaining staff. Surrounding districts are able to offer higher compensation because of the revenue generated through operational referendums. Over time these differences make it harder to keep the talented educators and support staff who work with our students every day. Stability in staffing matters because strong relationships and consistency are important parts of the learning environment for students.
Third, the district’s fund balance, similar to a savings account,
would continue to be used to cover the gap between revenue and the cost of operating our schools. Those funds help us manage cash flow throughout the year, but they become more limited if the underlying financial gap continues.
Finally, when a district is operating at the bare minimum financially, it becomes much harder to respond to new needs or opportunities for students. Schools are always evolving, and flexibility allows us to continue improving programs and services over time.
What I want our community to know is that Dodgeville educators have worked incredibly hard to make sure outside challenges do not affect the learning experiences of our students. They have stepped up again and again to maintain the strong tradition our schools are known for. At the same time, continuing to operate under increasing financial pressure becomes more difficult each year.
As always, our commitment is to be transparent, responsible, and thoughtful in how we manage the resources entrusted to us, while continuing to focus on what matters most, our students.
Ryan Bohnsack District Administrator Dodgeville School District