Hudson School Board votes to place $5 million, six‑year revenue-cap increase on April ballot

The Hudson School District Board voted Monday to ask voters April 1, 2025, whether the district may exceed the state revenue cap by up to $5,000,000 a year on a nonrecurring basis for six years beginning with the 2025-26 school year.

The measure grew out of months of public comment and a community feedback session in January about ways to address a multi-year operating shortfall. During the board's meeting, members and residents debated whether to ask for a recurring increase or for the shorter, nonrecurring authorization and how best to build community trust before asking for more local revenue.

Why it matters: Hudson officials said the district faces structural pressure from enrollment declines and state funding that has not kept pace with rising costs. Board supporters said a voter-approved increase would give the district breathing room to avoid deeper, immediate cuts; opponents said a permanent (recurring) increase would be preferable to a time-limited option and stressed more outreach and demonstrated cuts before another ask.

Board discussion and public comment Public commenters urged the board to try another referendum and also pressed the board to pursue alternatives. Scott Ellingson, a Hudson resident who identified himself as a longtime teacher and parent, urged the board to "go to referendum again this April," and said he would help organize a volunteer committee to support a campaign. Betty Caruso, who described herself as a government finance director for 30 years, said voter fatigue and the timing of prior elections probably affected the November result and recommended improved voter education.

Board members debated strategy at length. Several members said they supported a shorter, nonrecurring authorization to make the ask more palatable to voters while the district demonstrates cuts and improved fiscal stewardship; others said raising the revenue limit on a recurring basis would better protect district operations long term. Board member Lynn (last name not specified) said she favored a six-year, nonrecurring ask to balance the concerns. Board member Molly (last name not specified) urged a recurring solution and voiced concern about deferring hard decisions.

Formal actions and votes - Motion 1: "Approve the resolution language to exceed the district's revenue cap by up to $5,000,000 per year on a nonrecurring basis for a period of six years beginning with the 2025-26 school year." The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Bauer (aye); Brown (no); Garza (no); Powers (no); Robson (yes); Wasowski (yes); Johnson (yes). (Recorded tally: 4 yes, 3 no.)

- Motion 2 (procedural): "Adopt a resolution providing for a referendum election to submit the foregoing revenue-cap question to the electors on April 1, 2025." The motion to place the question on the April ballot passed by roll-call vote: Johnson (yes); Wasowski (yes); Robson (yes); Powers (yes); Baumann (yes); Garza (no); Brown (no). (Recorded tally: 5 yes, 2 no.)

What the ballot question would do If voters approve the question, the district's final budgets for the years covered would include up to $5,000,000 per year in revenues beyond the limits set in Wisconsin Statutes, Section 121.91, for the stated six-year period. The board's action triggers a referendum that, by state law, must be placed before district electors for approval.

Board members and district staff said the district also will continue work on budget reductions and community engagement regardless of the ballot outcome. Several board members said they want the district to show voters specific cuts and planned actions alongside any revenue ask.

Next steps The board directed administration to finalize ballot language and supporting materials; the district clerk will post formal referendum documents and deadlines in the weeks before the April 1 election. District officials said they will continue community meetings and prepare more detailed budget options for the board and public as the vote approaches.