Operational Referendum

On Monday, August 17, 2026, the Lake Mills Area School District (LMASD) Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution for an operational referendum question to appear on the November 2026 ballot.

If approved by voters, the referendum would allow the District to exceed the state-imposed revenue limits by $2.9 million a year for the next four years. The funds would support essential operational needs, including:

• Maintaining student educational programs and class sizes
• Retaining high-quality teachers and staff
• Supporting essential needs such as buses, buildings, and replacing outdated technology

Lake Mills is one of the few Wisconsin public school districts to have operated for more than a decade without an operational referendum, even as state funding has not kept pace with inflation. Our conservative budgeting, below-average teacher salaries, and debt refinancing have helped stretch taxpayer dollars. Still, rising costs for insurance, utilities, transportation, and mandated curriculum changes contributed to a $705,000 budget deficit in 2025–26.

Voters approved a $51.2 million capital referendum in November 2024, with no additional tax impact to the community. However, state law restricts these funds to capital expenses and prohibits their use for day-to-day operating costs. As a result, the full $51.2 million is dedicated to addressing the District’s identified facility and building renovation needs and cannot be used to support the operating budget.

Current budget projections for the 2026–27 school year show a deficit of $1.2 million just to maintain current staffing and educational programs. Without additional funding, it will become increasingly difficult to maintain our buses and buildings, replace outdated technology, and provide competitive salaries. Our salaries remain below our neighboring districts, making it challenging to retain and attract teachers. This could lead to larger class sizes and fewer programs and opportunities for students.

This webpage will continue to be updated with frequently asked questions, financial information, community engagement opportunities, and other referendum resources.