The Northland Pines School District is asking voters to support education by keeping its current funding level.
The operational referendum question will appear on the ballot for the February 15th primary for those living within the district.
Like most schools in the Northwoods, Wisconsin’s funding system doesn’t work well for Northland Pines says District Administrator Scott Foster.
“There are some schools in the state that do really well with the funding formula. Unfortunately, small, rural schools do not because it doesn’t take into account things such as multiple school buildings, large geographic area, transportation, poverty. Those things aren’t factored in the formula. That’s one of the things that challenges all small, rural schools,” said Foster.
Northland Pines’ current referendum is set to expire at the end of this school year.
The district is asking for voters to approve another three-year non-recurring referendum for the same amount of $4.6 million a year.
The result for taxpayers would be the same or slightly lower than what’s being paid now for the next two years. Then a significant drop in the third year, when a previous, separate referendum for a building project is paid off.
“The two kind of go hand in hand, but they are separate. They were separate questions at one time. Even with this past $4.6 million for the next three years, taxes should remain the same or slightly go down all years and then the third year go down quite a bit,” said Foster.
This new operational referendum will help maintain the level of education and programs the district offers, pay for a school resource officer, and provide the funds for new roofs at St. Germain and Land O’Lakes Elementary schools.
“Those buildings have reached the age now where they look like brand new buildings, but unfortunately they only last so long,” said Foster. “They were built in the fall of 1997, so they’re ready for a roof replacement.”
The referendum questions will appear on the ballot for the February 15th election for everyone who lives within the Northland Pines Schools District.
There is informational meeting Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the High School/Middle School building. People can learn more about the referendum and ask questions.
It will also be livestreamed.
