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Beloit board unanimously approves planning for April 2026 referendum
Summary
The Beloit School District Board voted to move forward with preparations for an April 2026 operational referendum after public testimony urged early planning to avoid further cuts.
The Beloit School District Board of Education on May 6 voted unanimously to begin preparations for an April 2026 operational referendum, a move board members and union leaders said is needed to avoid additional cuts to programs and staff.
The board's motion to "move approval of moving forward with preparing for an April 2026 referendum" was made by Megan Miller and seconded by Amy Levy; the chair called the vote and the motion "carried unanimously." The change authorizes the administration to begin planning and community engagement work toward an April 2026 ballot measure.
Why it matters: The district has already faced three failed operational referendums this cycle and public speakers warned of immediate program and staff losses if additional revenue is not secured. James Hoye, co-president of the Beloit Education Association, told the board earlier in public comment that "students and staff are going to feel the pain next year because the referendum failed this spring" and urged the board to direct the superintendent to plan now for a spring 2026 vote.
Board members who spoke in support said an early start offers more time to build community outreach and make a clearer case. "I think it's a really great gesture of trust and, you know, collaboration with the community," said Megan Miller. Board members also highlighted local volunteer groups organizing in support of a new referendum; Joanne Ryu (board member) and others mentioned Beloiters for Kids, which is organizing meetings and a May 27 spaghetti fundraiser at Beloit Memorial High School.
Discussion vs. decision: The vote was a formal board decision to authorize planning; it does not itself create a ballot question or set the referendum date beyond planning for April 2026. Board members discussed outreach logistics and encouraged public participation in the drafting process.
Ending: With the motion passed, administration and volunteers said they would begin outreach and planning; several board members said they would hold a future agenda item devoted to community engagement work ahead of the formal referendum preparations.
