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Board narrows referendum option to scenario H‑2: higher staff compensation plus targeted academic/behavior supports
Summary
After an extended debate, the board coalesced around a three‑year operational referendum scenario (H‑2) that prioritizes staff compensation and allocates a set portion to academic and behavior supports; staff will prepare ballot language for a board vote on Thursday.
The Beloit School District board spent an extended portion of its Jan. 14 meeting discussing proposed operational‑referendum scenarios and landed on a three‑year plan staff labeled H‑2, a package that board members said places priority on staff compensation and reserves a portion of funds for academics and behavior supports.
Superintendent Dr. Garrison and district finance staff presented multiple scenarios that varied the requested mill rate, the nonrecurring dollar amounts for each of three school years and the distribution between compensation and program spending. The board considered earlier scenarios (H‑1, H‑2, H‑3) and a midpoint scenario labeled N presented the morning of the meeting.
Board members voiced concerns about mill‑rate stability, accountability to voters and the balance between raises and program funding. Several members said compensation drives teacher recruitment and retention, and that supporting educators is central to improving outcomes. Board member Megan Miller urged the board to commit to the H‑2 approach if the board did not select the revised midpoint (N), saying the district should "commit to that consistent 5% increase for staff" if it wants to signal sustained support for teachers.
Board member Greg Schneider said H‑2 best supports recruitment, retention and the program investments members listed in prior community conversations. Board member Brian Anderson said he preferred H‑1 but acknowledged the board could add compensation in future years if revenue allows. Several board members asked staff for detailed materials for community communication before ballots are printed.
Superintendent Garrison said staff would prepare ballot wording and community materials; he noted that ballot language must be concise and suggested supporting materials (campaign communications and presentations) would supply more granular detail about what dollars would be used for (for example, academic supports, behavior programs, and compensation). Several board members requested a clear list of priorities and estimated costs so the district could "hit the ground running" during a campaign.
By the end of the meeting, board members indicated consensus around Scenario H‑2 as the working referral for a revenue‑limit increase to be finalized at an upcoming board vote. Board members also expressed preference for a three‑year request rather than a longer multi‑year ask.
Ending: Staff will draft ballot language and a campaign communications plan for the board; the board scheduled a vote to finalize the revenue‑limit question at a subsequent meeting.
