Why an Operational Referendum Now

The Green Bay Area Public School District (GBAPS) is not unlike many other Districts across the State of Wisconsin. Inadequate public school funding is forcing public schools to make difficult decisions, and the number of school districts forced to seek voter support for an operational referendum has increased dramatically over the past ten years.

In 1993, Wisconsin public school districts were locked in at a per pupil amount based upon their prior spending. Due to GBAPS’ fiscal responsibility, its revenue limit is one of the lowest in the state at only $11,650. 

In response to the economic challenges in 2008, the state removed the annual cost of living increases that school district's received annually in per pupil funding. In 17 years, public schools have not received a cost of living increase, which has resulted in the ongoing struggle to maintain school buildings, keep up with the latest technology, retain and recruit high quality staff, etc. The following graph from the Wisconsin Association of Business Officials shows that had the cost of living increases remained, school districts would have an additional $3,571 per pupil to spend, or for GBAPS this would mean an additional $60 million in funding per year. 

There are four main reasons why an operational referendum is needed now:

• 2017 Operational Referendum Expires: In 2017, voters approved a $16.5 million 10-year referendum to keep class sizes reasonable, maintain programs, and avoid major cuts. That voter‑approved funding ends after the 2026‑27 school year.
   
• State Funding Gap: For 17 years, the state has not provided a cost‑of‑living increase for schools. During that same period, costs for staffing, utilities, transportation, and basic supplies have steadily risen. If state funding had kept pace with inflation, the District would have roughly $60 million more in annual revenue today.
   
• Inflationary Pressures: Schools face the same pressures as families/community members when it comes to rising costs for electricity, heating, fuel, technology, food, and consumables, which all cost more than they did even a few years ago. These increases are not tied to new programs or expanded services, rather they are simply the cost of keeping schools open and functioning safely.
   
• Declining enrollment: Fewer students means less state revenue. But fixed costs do not decline at the same rate. As enrollment drops, the District must stretch fewer dollars across the same essential responsibilities, creating additional pressure on its operating budget.

What has the District done to address rising costs?

Learn more about referendums and school financing

What happens if the referendum fails?

The District has already made years of behind‑the‑scenes cuts to avoid affecting students. After those reductions, the only remaining areas to cut are the ones that will directly impact students — class sizes, programs, and student services. If the referendum fails, the District will need to make significant cuts, which will include laying off staff and increasing class sizes, and eliminating or reducing programming (including co-curriculars), all which will have a negative impact on the District's current momentum to improve academic outcomes and address school culture and sense of belonging.