BELLEVILLE — The School District of Belleville is going to referendum on April 1. The question asks for $2.85 million in 2025-26 and again in 2026-27, and then $3.1 million in 2027-28. This will pay for ongoing operational and maintenance expenses, including for educational programming, salaries, benefits, and safety and security. Below are a variety of questions related to the referendum. For more information, visit the district’s referendum website: https://www.belleville.k12.wi.us/district/
referendum.cfm.
Why do Belleville’s schools need a referendum?
1 Funding limits set by state laws do not keep up with inflation.
● Belleville’s revenue limit per student is 78% of what it would be if funding had kept pace with inflation since 2009.
● That amounts to $3,370 per student that Belleville schools cannot raise.
2 The state does not fully reimburse districts for the cost of special education.
● Last year, Belleville schools did not receive $1.17 million from the state to cover Special Education costs.
● By law, in most cases, we must spend at least the same amount of money in the next year. (Open Enrollment is closed for new Special Education students next year.)
3 The state has pushed the funding of schools to the local taxpayer.
● 140 districts asked 148 operational referendum questions in the state last year. (There are 421 Wisconsin school districts.)
● 226 districts asked 294 operational referendum questions in the state have gone to referendum in the last 3 years.
● Belleville has gone to referendum twice since 2010 (the lowest of CESA 2 K-12 school districts).
What will happen if the referendum passes?
1 We will be able to maintain and improve an environment that promotes student success and building safety and security, including communication systems that notify first responders immediately for a significant incident.
2 We will continue offering high quality programming for students that attracts families to the District.
3 We will provide competitive compensation to attract and retain high quality staff.
What will happen if the referendum does not pass?
1 We will eliminate nearly 20 positions out of 134 positions.
2 Elementary class sizes will go up 25%.
3 There will be a loss and/or reduction of programming, including, but not limited to:
● Advanced Placement course offerings
● World Languages options and/or grade-level offerings
● Career & Technical Education offerings
● Music offerings
● After school programs
● Amount of athletic competitions for each sport
● Club offerings and activities
4 There will be a loss and/or reduction of services, including, but not limited to:
● Mental health services
● Counseling services
● Bus routes
5 There will be an increase in fees, including, but not limited to:
● Athletics (participation and attendance at events)
● Clubs
● Course supplies
● School sponsored activities (dances, field trips, etc.)
At the District’s referendum website, you will find several items, including our upcoming events. We have hosted school tours, information sessions, and more (see pictures).
If you have any questions regarding the referendum, contact District Administrator Jim Schmitt at 608-835-6120, extension 3440, or schmittj@belleville.k12.wi.us.
