Beloit board narrows plan for April referendum, signals 3‑year ask and 5% pay plan for staff

The Beloit School District Board of Education on Jan. 13 discussed possible questions for an April 2025 nonrecurring operational referendum and signaled a board preference for a three‑year measure that would prioritize staff compensation and funding for academic and behavioral supports.

Board President Tia Johnson opened the meeting saying, “Tonight, we are here to discuss the referendum to share with board members information, scenarios, and potential action for a 2025 April referendum.” The discussion that followed focused on alternative mill‑rate scenarios, projected budget shortfalls and how much of any referendum revenue should be devoted to raises versus programmatic supports.

Why it matters: The district projects a multi‑million dollar shortfall for the 2025–26 school year and is considering asking voters for additional, nonrecurring operating authority that would be collected over multiple years. The board’s choice of term length, mill‑rate target and what items to prioritize will shape how much revenue is available and whether voters view the ask as affordable.

Director of Finance/Staff presenter Bob Chaney (identified in the meeting as Mr. Chaney) walked board members through multiple scenarios that used…