Fond du Lac School District officials outline $10 million-a-year referendum to shore up operations, security and staff

Summary

District leaders said a April 1 operational referendum would provide $10 million per year for four years to cover operating shortfalls, security upgrades at the high school and ongoing maintenance; officials warned failure to pass the measure could force cuts of $7 million–$9 million in the first year and elimination of dozens of positions.

Fond du Lac School District officials on a community presentation this month described a proposed April 1 operational referendum that would ask voters to authorize $10 million per year for four years to maintain current programs, cover annual maintenance and fund security upgrades at secondary schools.

District leaders said the referendum is intended to avert an approaching multi‑million‑dollar budget gap driven by unreimbursed special‑education costs, the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds and inflationary operating costs. Officials also emphasized recent academic gains the district has made while warning of potential staffing and program cuts if the measure fails.

District context and why it matters

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Flagg said the district’s state ranking has improved substantially in recent years and that those gains are fragile without new revenue. Matt Steinbeth, the district’s chief academic officer and incoming superintendent, told attendees the district has built “a strong foundation of safety, instructional support, and student accountability,” but that the district faces a “funding cliff” unless voters approve…

Fond du Lac School District officials outline $10 million-a-year referendum to shore up operations, security and staff

Summary

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