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Holmen district says failed referendum will force program and staffing choices
Summary
District administrators told the school board the April 1 operational referendum failed by 90 votes and warned the loss of funding will require program and staffing reductions; the district pledged to engage the community as it plans cuts.
The Holmen School District announced April 14 that an operational referendum held April 1 failed by 90 votes, and district leaders said the shortfall will require careful program and staffing decisions.
District Administrator Dr. Mueller told the Holmen School Board that while the board was "disappointed for our operational referendum that it did not pass by 90 votes," the administration remains "committed to our mission of providing the best possible education for our students." The administrator said the district will need to "carefully evaluate how we allocate our resources knowing that reductions are gonna be necessary."
Why it matters: The district said the referendum funds would have supported academic programs, curricular resources, facility maintenance and staff recruitment and retention. Without the additional revenue, administrators warned some program reductions or staff changes are likely and that the district will prioritize students in decisions.
Board and staff reactions, next steps: Board members and the superintendent emphasized continued efforts to engage the community and pursue creative options to stretch existing resources. Dr. Mueller said the district will "continue to engage with the community and share updates and work together to find a path forward." The board did not take specific reduction actions at the April 14 meeting; staff said they will return with proposals as they refine budget scenarios.
The board also acknowledged recent volunteer and community support during the discussion, and Dr. Mueller praised staff and students while noting the district is entering a period of difficult financial choices.
Looking ahead: Administrators said they will present budget revisions and any recommended reductions at upcoming meetings and continue outreach to families and community partners.
