Wisconsin voters approved just 46 of the 75 total school referenda on the ballot this week, reflecting deep concern with rising property taxes following Gov. Evers’ 400-year veto.
Wisconsin voters approved just 46 of 75 school district referendums on the April 7 spring election ballot, according to unofficial results from county clerks.
The measures, which sought to exceed state revenue limits or authorize debt for operations, maintenance and facilities, largely passed despite narrow margins in many districts. Of the 75 questions, 12 involved debt issuance for capital projects, with nine passing. Six were recurring referendums that would permanently increase revenue limits for ongoing operations. The remainder sought non-recurring authority for shorter-term needs.
Failed measures included those in Sauk Prairie, where both questions were rejected by slim margins, and Whitefish Bay, which turned down a $135 million facilities request.
The results come amid ongoing pressure on Wisconsin property taxpayers. School levies have contributed to the largest property tax increases in at least 30 years following Gov. Evers’ so-called “400 year veto,” which allows school districts to increase revenue limits by $325 per pupil every year for the next four centuries.
The Governor controversially used his partial veto authority to change a temporary funding increase approved by the Legislature into a permanent funding mechanism that was upheld by the Wisconsin Supreme Court last year.
