Beloit School Board approves referendum question to exceed revenue limits; vote 6-1

The Beloit School District Board of Education voted 6-1 on Jan. 16 to place a referendum on the spring ballot that would allow the district to exceed state revenue limits by $9,170,000 for 2025'026; $14,120,000 for 2026'027; and $16,950,000 for 2027'028 to fund teacher and staff compensation, academic programs, behavioral supports and some facility needs.

The vote followed more than two hours of discussion among seven board members, district leaders and public commenters about how the money would be spent, hiring risks, and lingering public skepticism after prior failed referenda. The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Greg Schneider and seconded by Amy Levy; Brian Nichols cast the lone dissenting vote.

Board President Tia Johnson opened the discussion by framing the resolution as a response to ongoing budget shortfalls leading into the 2025'026 school year and said the board sought to "gain approval of the resolution for exceeding the revenue limit for three years for a spring referendum." Superintendent Dr. Garrison and district finance staff walked the board through a multi-year spending scenario the administration calls H2, describing prioritized buckets for compensation, academics and behavioral supports.

Dr. Garrison said the H2 model uses a five percent salary increase in year one for modeling purposes and includes built-in three percent annual increases elsewhere in benefits and operating…