At its meeting on Monday, January 9, the School District of Milton Board of Education continued their operational budget planning for the coming school years. Facing uncertain
state revenue projections and significant inflationary costs, the board is considering all options to maintain the District’s high-quality instructional programs and services.
Whereas no formal action was taken on Monday, the Milton School Board discussed a potential operational referendum that could appear on the ballot this spring. Board discussions are planned to continue during the next regularly scheduled board meeting on January 23.
“School districts across the state are planning how to best address the result of school funding levels not keeping pace with inflation,” added Superintendent Dahman. “With our budget forecasts showing shortfalls in the coming years, the school board is considering options to avoid making significant reductions to staffing and programs for students.”
The legislature’s current revenue limits placed on public schools, paired with $0 increases in state funding over the past two years have resulted in shrinking revenues for many Wisconsin districts, including Milton.
Meanwhile the costs of such necessities as transportation, heating, insurance, equipment, and basic maintenance supplies continue to rise. A national shortage of educators and supporting staff requires districts to offer wages and benefits that maintain and attract highly qualified staff to their communities.
These compounding issues mean that Milton schools will face a significant budget shortfall in the coming years. Milton schools are not alone in facing these challenges, as the number of operational referendum questions on recent ballots statewide reflects a significant shift in Wisconsin’s commitment to funding schools. More of the responsibility for funding schools has moved from the state to local property taxpayers, via operational referendums.
“The School District of Milton must balance our need to continue providing a high quality educational experience while serving as responsible fiscal stewards for our district community members. We will continue to balance these two important values.” Dahman emphasized.
The District’s Finance committee will be considering different options at their upcoming meeting January 12. Any recommendations from that committee meeting will be brought to the board during their regularly scheduled meeting on January 23, where a decision about a possible referendum will be made.
