Dear Editor,
I attended the Dodgeville School Board meeting on August 17, 2026, listening to ‘Pro’, ‘Con’, Voter Survey, and the Administrator. Mill rates, funding sources, district wide expenditures are complex. There is a wide, open door for information and discussion for our questions.
Administrator Ryan Bohnsack discussed Revenue Limit, mill rates and state aid during my recent meeting. He also shared information on cuts made since he assumed the role July 1, 2024. The Administration-staff ratio has gone from the highest to the lowest, 1 administrative staff per 183 students. Multiple positions are held by many administration staffers.
Facility and technology needs have been put on hold as budget cuts have been made. Our teachers are some of the lowest compensated area staff. These are outcomes from dropping DSD mill rate (our property tax) from $7.34 in 2023-24 to $5.80 in 2024-25 to $5.65 in 2025-26.
Our school board, who we elected, has listened to our concern of limiting the budget. But like our household budgets costs are continually rising! To meet these needs surrounding districts have mill rates of Barneveld – $8.41, Mineral Point – $8.22, River Valley – $7.36. Consider if we don’t keep our teachers, don’t keep up with resources, don’t maintain our buildings, what will it cost?
The Dodgeville School Board motion for $1.9 Million will raise our mill rate to $7.50 for 2026-2029. Our “YES” vote will support our Community, our Schools, our Children. Please invest in our future! If you have questions reach out to the District or your School Board member.
Senior citizen, Mary McKinley, Dodgeville, WI