VOTE YES
ON APRIL 1!
Waterford Graded School District (WGSD) will be seeking an operational referendum on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Support our Schools. Strengthen our Community. Ensure our Future.
The district has faced two failed referendums, and this marks the third time in a year that we will be asking the community to consider a referendum to address our critical funding shortfalls. Their resources are dwindling rapidly, and are currently borrowing funds to meet payroll obligations and have already implemented $1.75 million in budget reductions. Further cost-cutting measures will necessitate increased class sizes and program eliminations, directly impacting the quality of education with fewer options for our students.
Purpose of the Referendum
Funding Request: WGSD is requesting $3 million per year for the next four years to balance the budget and replenish the fund balance.
waterford.k12.wi.us
IMPACT ON STUDENTS
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Educational Quality: The additional funding will help maintain and improve educational programs, ensuring students receive quality instruction and resources.
Local Investment: Supporting the referendum is an investment in the community's future, contributing to the development of well-educated individuals who can positively impact the local economy and society.
Budget Deficit: The district is facing a minimum deficit of $1.5 million and a cumulative deficit of $9.7 million over the next five years.
Operational Challenges: The deficit may continue to grow due to increases in operational costs and lack of state funding.
Urgency & Why Now?
Immediate Need
Without this additional funding, the district will be forced to make even deeper cuts to programs, services, and staffing. We could lose critical teaching positions, reduce extracurricular activities, and even face larger class sizes. These changes will have a direct, negative impact on our students' education and long-term success.
Stabilization
The referendum is our best opportunity to stabilize the district’s finances and ensure that our schools continue to provide the high-quality education that every child in Waterford deserves.
Call to Action
Vote Yes!
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The referendum will be on the ballot for the April 1, 2025, election.