SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis. — Despite initial reports that it had passed, a school referendum in Sheboygan Falls was actually voted down on Tuesday during the 2025 spring election, according to the Sheboygan County clerk.
Sheboygan County Clerk Jon Dolson told TMJ4 that "human error" in the clerk's office was to blame for the false results.
Dolson explained that Village of Kohler votes from a statewide referendum question were erroneously counted with the Sheboygan Falls school referendum totals. Kohler residents did not vote on the Sheboygan Falls referendum and are not part of the school district.
Watch: Sheboygan Falls school referendum fails despite early reporting to the contrary
"I acknowledge and take full responsibility for this event that may have initially adversely impacted the school district community, on an erroneous unofficial referendum outcome," Dolson said in a press release. "This incident does not reflect the high standards of professionalism and election integrity that my office is committed to uphold. It is with sincerity that I recognize any negative consequences of this event."
Dolson said the unofficial election results have been updated in the statewide canvass system, as well as on the Sheboygan County website.
“To have it not be successful is frustrating, and it’s disappointing,” said Falls District Administrator Zach Pethan.
“But mixing in the confusion around the results is just an added disappointment and frustration.”
The district was looking for $70 million from taxpayers for updates to its aging elementary and high schools. A similar referendum for $100 million for the school failed in November.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: SECOND ATTEMPT: Sheboygan Falls School District proposes revised April referendum — how are residents feeling?
TMJ4 spoke with concerned families in the school pick-up line on Wednesday.
“You come across and you’re expecting the people counting the polls to get it right the first time and not…suddenly there’s a mistake,” said father Blaine Spicer. “It’s disappointing. They’ve been asking for assistance financially for quite some time.”
Grandfather Ron Sheldon didn’t know about the results mistake until TMJ4 approached his vehicle.
“I’m kind of disappointed,” said Sheldon. “These buildings are old. In the winter, they’re cold.”
“So they need work?” TMJ4's Mikenzie Hammel asked. “Right,” he responded.
Pethan said that regardless of the outcome, the district’s needs remain.
“We will continue what we need to do…and we will carry on.”
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