Operational Referendum: November 5, 2024

The Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD) is known for its talented staff members, robust academic and co-curricular programs, and the incredible opportunities we offer to students throughout their time in our schools. In fact, the most recent State Report Card ranked MTSD in the top 10 of all school districts across Wisconsin. 

At the same time, we are facing a serious budget crisis that requires the attention of our entire community. Projected deficits will reach up to $6 million for the 2024-25 school year.

All Wisconsin schools are subject to a revenue limit, which places a cap on the amount of money they can raise through state aid and property taxes. As a result, MTSD does not receive enough revenue to adequately fund programs and services for students. 

Proposed Solution

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, our community will vote on a proposed $26.4 million non-recurring operational referendum. If it’s approved, the referendum would expire at the end of the 2028 school year. 

An approved referendum would enable MTSD to:

• Balance the budget without tapping into reserves

• Develop a competitive compensation system for teachers and higher starting wages for support staff members to aid in the recruitment and retention of high-quality educators

• Manage healthcare costs

• Move forward with delayed maintenance projects

• Protect our Aaa bond rating

The estimated tax impact of an approved referendum would be an increase of $0.73 per $1,000 of equalized fair market property value. For a home with a fair market value of $400,000 the total tax impact over four years is estimated to increase by $948.

Final levy and mill rate information will be presented in October when equalized values are finalized by the Department of Revenue.