MONROE — The School District of Monroe’s Board of Education on Oct. 23 passed the tax levy approved by electors during the annual meeting held a week prior. 

The levy is about $486,000 more than was proposed at the annual meeting — a 4.23% increase from last year’s levy, according to district business administrator Ron Olson. Valuation in the district is also going up almost 12%.

“Given the large revaluation the state continues to do on values and properties, I would encourage people to look at the 4% increase in the budget as an idea of where things are going,” Olson told the board. “That’s pretty much (normal). I’ve been in an email exchange with a number of the Dane County and surrounding districts, and many of them are seeing the same thing. More money was put into the education levy credit than actually got put into the equalization aid, so many districts are seeing that increase in their levy. However, people on their tax bills will see the amount of their education levy credit increasing, which is a deduction of their tax bills.”

Olson reiterated he wouldn’t know what that would exactly mean for each individual.

The six members of the board present unanimously approved the 2023-24 budget amendments, the tax levy, and a year-to-year agreement with the Juda School District to provide services for a special needs student. Board members Rich Deprez, Mike Froseth and Terri Montgomery were absent from the meeting.

An update was given on the new high school project.  User groups, including high school staff, have met with PRA, the architectural firm picked by the district. The land assessment, including borings and soil testings, was set to be taken this week or next, depending on weather. The topographical survey was completed, including the use of Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar). 

Among the parts of the future building being discussed and planned for in the near future is the kitchen and cafeteria. District officials and food service employees were planning trips to Beaver Dam and Wisconsin Dells high schools.

The annexation of the 70-acre property, located along 31st Avenue on the city’s far east side, has now moved to the final stage: A vote in front of the Monroe Common Council. The plans made it through the Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee on Oct. 23.