Over 70 Wisconsin School Districts Seek Tax Increases on Nov. 3 Ballot

More than 70 Wisconsin school districts will present property tax referendums to voters on Tuesday, Nov. 3. These measures ask residents to approve increased taxes to fund specific school projects. The proposals cover repairs, maintenance, and facility improvements across the state.

In the Elmbrook School District, voters will decide on a $100 million proposal. The funds target four buildings constructed between 1958 and 1969: Pilgrim Park Middle, Wisconsin Hills Middle, Swanson Elementary, and Tonawanda Elementary. The district stated the projects will modernize classrooms, expand undersized spaces, add safety features, and improve accessibility. A district spokesperson noted the financial strategy results in a net tax increase of $0.11 per $1,000 of home value. For a $500,000 home, this equates to approximately $55 per year.

Whitefish Bay voters face a $90 million referendum following the public rejection of a similar $135 million proposal in April. Online plans indicate $68.4 million will go toward rebuilding and renovating the middle school on its current site. An additional $35.5 million is allocated for high school infrastructure, maintenance, fire protection, and alarm systems. Another $4 million covers fire sprinkler and alarm updates at Cumberland and Richards schools. The district reported that approval would increase taxes by $125 per $100,000 of fair market value. For the average home in Whitefish Bay, valued at $685,800, this amounts to an increase of about $71 per month or $857 per year.

Sheboygan Falls voters will consider a $65.7 million facility referendum for elementary and high school renovations and expansions. The district specified the cost impact for various property values. Taxpayers would pay $16 per year on a $100,000 home, $40 per year on a $250,000 home, and $80 per year on a $500,000 home.

The Brown Deer school district is placing two referendums on the ballot. The first seeks $2.8 million per year for five years to cover day-to-day operating costs, including staffing, programs, and services. The second seeks $35 million for building repairs, safety, and accessibility upgrades. The district stated that if both measures pass, taxpayers could see a yearly increase of $92 per $100,000 in property value.

The district provided the information for these proposals. The Whitefish Bay, Sheboygan Falls, and Brown Deer school districts supplied specific figures and project details. A district spokesperson also provided the financial breakdown for the Elmbrook proposal.