A Sensible Solution for Wausau Schools
Operational Referendum: April 1, 2025
In the Wausau School District, we take great pride in the exceptional educational experience we deliver to our students—made possible through our engaged families, skilled and dedicated educators, and supportive community.
At the same time, we face serious financial challenges due to factors largely outside of our control—including an outdated state education funding formula, a lack of funding to public schools in recent years, and rising costs due to inflation.
Proposed Solution
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, our community will vote on a proposed five-year, nonrecurring operational referendum. If it is approved by voters, the Wausau School District will be able to raise its revenue limit by $8 million per year, through the 2029-30 school year.
The referendum would allow the district to:
- Mitigate our budget deficit
- Maintain and enhance student programming
- Attract and retain staff
- Address ongoing maintenance needs (including roofing, HVAC/air conditioning, and upgrades to mass communication, cameras, and energy efficiency)
This funding is necessary to maintain an exceptional educational experience for the students we serve.
No Property Tax Impact
An approved referendum would have no expected impact on the property tax rate for district residents.
This is possible due to the district restructuring and prepaying debt to help keep the tax rate stable over the long term and minimize the tax impact of a referendum. Taking these measures has provided room for the board to propose an operational referendum without an associated property tax increase.