Voter-approved operational funds would allow FDLSD to address projected budget deficits that exist despite efforts by the Board of Education and administration to reduce spending.

In April 2025, a proposed operational referendum that asked for authority to exceed FDLSD’s revenue limit by $10 million for four years fell short of being approved. As a result, district leaders moved forward with a series of difficult decisions to:

• Eliminate 70 staff positions

• Increase class sizes at the middle and high school levels

• Reduce the number of consultants who support FDLSD staff and students

• Cut eight positions at the district’s central office

After these moves were finalized, the district conducted a community survey last fall to gather feedback and input about a future operational referendum. The survey found that 53% of respondents said they would support a potential $7.5 million non-recurring, four-year operational referendum, which is now on the April 7 ballot.

An approved operational referendum will allow our district to make strategic investments in our facilities, improve safety and security, limit the extent of future staff reductions, and maintain career readiness resources and opportunities with industry partners in our community.

In addition to spending reductions, the board and administration have a proven history of respecting the needs of our property taxpayers and maintaining low and steady property tax rates.

FDLSD currently has the lowest mill rate of all districts in Fond du Lac County, at $5.43 per $1,000 of fair market value.

An approved operational referendum in April would have a property tax impact of $1.51 per $1,000 of fair market value in the first year, before declining in subsequent years. With the proposed increase, FDLSD’s mill rate (or property tax rate) would still be lower than the state average of $7.09 for the next four years.