Voters within the Northland Pines school district will go to the polls Feb. 15 to vote on a three-year, $4.6 million referendum for non-recurring expenses.
District administrator Scott Foster indicated he will be holding a series of five public informational meetings to explain the reason for the referendum and what some of the main issues the district is considering.
“We will continue to provide high quality education while offering options and opportunities for students and families,” Foster said. “In addition, we plan to use funds to replace the roofs at St. Germain and Land O’ Lakes elementary schools which were opened in 1997 and to include our school resource officer.”
This officer is a certified Vilas County Sheriff’s department law enforcement deputy.
Foster said under open enrollment their educational opportunities have had a positive impact going from 18 students in 2002 to 125 this year.
Four of the public informational meetings will be in the evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. These will be Jan. 13 and Feb 2 at the middle and high school, Jan. 20 at Land O’ Lakes elementary, Jan 27 at St. Germain elementary.
One meeting will be on Feb. 1 at 10:00 a.m. at the middle and high school.
In addition, building tours have been scheduled during the day for touring all four district schools.
The current referendum that authorized $4.6 million will expire June 30 and the proposed referendum, if approved, will keep the dollar amount the same for all three years. The district tax
rate for the first year is estimated at $5.39 per $1,000 value which is a one cent decrease, the second year rate is $5.36 and the third year the rate drops to $4.68 when the current middle/high school bond is paid off.
The Northland Pines school district covers 474 sq. miles with busing costs at $1.2 million. There are four elementary schools with those in St. Germain and Land O. Lakes important for those communities and greatly reduces busing times for elementary students.
Should the referendum fail, the district will have to make significant decisions on how to balance the budget.
Wisconsin Act 16 implemented revenue limits starting with the 1993-94 school year and must go to a voter referendum to exceed the revenue limit.
