Kenosha School Board outlines referendum plans and addresses building maintenance concerns

The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) held a town hall meeting on January 9, 2025, to discuss the upcoming operational referendum and address community concerns. The meeting focused on the implications of the referendum, which is set to remain in place for five years, regardless of potential increases in state funding.

During the session, a key question arose regarding whether the operational referendum would be affected if the state provided significant funding increases in the next five years. KUSD officials clarified that the referendum would not be eliminated but that the school board could choose not to utilize its full revenue limit authority.

Concerns were also raised about the timely submission of required reports to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), referencing issues faced by Milwaukee Public Schools. KUSD representatives assured attendees that their district has consistently met deadlines for report submissions and maintains a strong financial standing, as evidenced by their independent audits.

Another topic discussed was the management of closed school buildings. KUSD acknowledged the costs associated with maintaining these properties and indicated that plans to address the future of vacant buildings would be presented to the school board in January.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for community members to submit further questions through the KUSD website, emphasizing the district's commitment to transparency and information sharing ahead of the February 18 referendum. The town hall aimed to ensure that residents felt informed and engaged in the decision-making process regarding the district's financial future.