HARTLAND, Wis. — The Lake Country School District is asking voters for an $800,000 tax referendum. This is the second time in less than a year the district has attempted to raise money for operational expenses.
Watch: Voter questions Lake Country School District's $800,000 referendum:
Last year, when the district failed to pass an operational referendum, programs, teachers, and paraprofessional positions were cut.
"Because it failed, multiple teachers were fired, and programs were cut," said parent Neil Gustafson.
His kids are band students. The band program was cut last year, but parents and supporters formed a booster club and raised enough money to bring it back.
Gustafson thought that when the school tried again for a referendum, it would ask for $1.2 million—enough to cover all the lost programs. When the amount was lower, he called TMJ4 News.
"You are upset at the referendum because they aren’t asking for enough?" asked reporter Rebecca Klopf.
"One, they aren’t asking for enough, and they aren’t explaining it," said Neil.
So we asked that to Superintendent Chad Schrafnagel why the lower amount. He says surveysdone by the district showed 49.8% support from for a $1.2 referendum question. But he says there was more than 60% support for an $800,000 referendum
"The board did not feel that we were in a position, knowing our needs to rebuild our fund balance and continue operating, to take that chance. That is why we are asking for the $800,000," said Schrafnagel.
He said that if this referendum fails, the district will face further cuts and likely a state loan. Voters will decide on April 1.
There will be an information session on the referendum session on the referendum on Tuesday, February 25 in the library at the school. Check the district’s website here for more information.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
