New Glarus School District to Place Referendum Question on April Ballot
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The New Glarus School District's Board of Education unanimously approved a referendum resolution, which is the official action taken to place a referendum question on the April 6, 2021, ballot.
The question will ask voters to invest up to $28,900,000 to address elementary capacity needs, Tech Ed/STEAM (shop) updates, and traffic flow/site circulation. If approved, the referendum will have a zero tax rate increase over the current level and will allow the District to: build a New 4K-2 Primary School; renovate the existing elementary school; renovate Tech Ed/STEAM (shop) area; and improve pedestrian safety, traffic flow, and site circulation.
Three years ago, 250 community members signed a petition asking the District to explore additional facility updates. Since that time, the District has been engaged in long-range facility planning that included a thorough facility study as well as gathering extensive community feedback via community listening sessions and two community surveys.
Fortunately, the District has been fiscally responsible and has been paying off debt while keeping the tax rate the same for nine years in a row. Paying off debt ahead of schedule has saved taxpayers over $1 million in interest and allows the District to finance the facility solution outlined above without raising the tax rate.
Based on the community feedback and current fiscal situation, the Board of Education voted unanimously to place a referendum question on the April 6, 2021, ballot. The question reflects both the needs of students and the priorities of taxpayers.
New Glarus School Board President Kari Morrison said, "The pandemic has proven that strong schools are important and make a positive impact on communities. In order to keep our schools functioning well, it is imperative that we look ahead to the future. Thanks to careful and insightful planning, the New Glarus School District is ready to take the next step in our long-term plan. A new primary school and facility upgrades would help meet the future educational needs of our students without raising the tax burden on community members."
An informational flyer outlining the question and proposed solution has been mailed to all district residents. Three virtual informational meetings will be held for interested parents and community members on February 16, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., February 22, from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m., and March 18, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
More information is available on the District's website at http://www.ngsd.k12.wi.us/referendum. Questions can be directed to Superintendent Jennifer Thayer at (608) 527-2410 or referendum@ngsd.k12.wi.us.
