Frederica Freyberg:
Wisconsin’s school districts strapped for cash will be taking the matter to the polls again. Limits on the number of referendums a district can request went into effect this year. But that isn’t keeping the amounts requested down. Marisa Wojcik tells us more.

Marisa Wojcik:
Wisconsin students are heading back to school and districts are preparing to ask their communities for more money. A school district can request money beyond the limits that are imposed by the state if they take the question to voters in a referendum. If approved, the money is drawn by raising property taxes in that district. To date, a total of 82 referendums will be expected to appear on the November 6 ballot for school districts statewide. In the last five years, the rate of referendums passing has been on the upswing with nearly 70% being approved by voters. In contrast from 2003 to 2011, that rate was just shy of 50%. The price tag on some referendums has also seen an uptick. Last year Green Bay area schools passed two referendum questions totaling more than $233 million. In the Verona School District passed three totaling more than $183 million. Some of the largest in state history. This year two big ticket requests are coming from the Middleton-Cross Plains School District at $143 million and from Wauwatosa at almost $125 million. Funds are requested for a variety of purposes including constructing and maintaining buildings, improving security and technology. Updating curriculum. Maintaining smaller class sizes and sometimes even hiring staff. A March 2018 Marquette Law School Poll found the majority of voters would rather increase spending on public schools than reduce their property taxes. For these and other fast facts, visit wpt.org.