Kenosha Schools Seek $23M Annual Referendum to Address Budget Deficit

KENOSHA, Wis. (WLIP) —The Kenosha Unified School District Board of Education has voted to place a $23 million operational referendum on the Feb. 18, 2025 ballot, aimed at addressing mounting financial challenges and maintaining educational programs through the 2029-30 school year.

If approved, the measure would cost property owners $1.25 annually per $1,000 of equalized property value. A homeowner with a $250,000 property would see their taxes increase by $313 per year, or approximately $26 monthly.

“Our schools have proudly served generations of students in our community,” KUSD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Weiss said. “However, our district is facing the same financial challenges as most others across Wisconsin.”

The district faces a projected $19 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Officials attribute the shortfall to an outdated state funding formula, decreased state aid, and rising inflation-driven costs.

The referendum funds would support several initiatives, including:
– Increasing student proficiency in reading and math by 12%
– Implementing state-mandated programs like Act 20
– Retaining staff and maintaining current class sizes
– Enhancing building security measures, including upgraded surveillance systems and reinforced entrances

District officials note that had state funding kept pace with inflation, KUSD would have approximately $31 million more in its current budget, eliminating the need for a referendum.

Without voter approval, the district warns it may need to reduce programs, services, and staffing. Additional information about the referendum will be available at kusd.edu/referendum.