Beloit board votes to pursue April 2025 referendum as budget work continues

The School Board of the School District of Beloit voted 5–1 on Dec. 3 to move forward with planning for a referendum in April 2025 after a detailed presentation about the 2025–26 budget calendar and related staffing and capital priorities.

At a combined Business Operations & Finance Committee and regular board meeting, Bob Chady, the district’s director of business services, outlined a month‑by‑month schedule for budget development, including a January 10 pupil count, administrative contract work in December–January, and preliminary budget updates for the board in April through June. Chady told the board he planned to use the first payroll of the month as a staffing snapshot and that the district would model multiple budget scenarios as state biennial budget guidance becomes available.

Board members pressed administration for more detail on likely cost drivers. Chady and Superintendent Dr. Brett Garrison said the district faces recurring operating shortfalls and that staff retention, wage assumptions, health insurance, and special education reimbursement are central variables. Dr. Garrison told the board the district will continue to refine assumptions and bring back budget scenarios: "We need to continue to refine and you'll see various iterations of the budget scenarios over time," he said.

After extended discussion about timing, public engagement and what the ballot question might include, the board voted to authorize administration to develop referendum language and prepare for an April 2025 vote. The motion passed 5–1; Board Member Amy Levy cast the lone no vote, saying she supported a referendum in principle but wanted more specificity on ask amounts before full commitment.

Administration scheduled a public referendum workshop for Saturday, Dec. 7, and invited the prior ad hoc budget committee to participate. The board also directed that further discussion of committee charge and membership be added to the Saturday workshop agenda. Dr. Garrison said the vote gives administration the authority to retain communications support and to continue the timeline required by election and legal deadlines: "When we get moving, once the board gives me the space to move, there is no turning back," he said.

What happens next: administration will refine cost scenarios, produce draft resolution language for board consideration, and continue outreach to the community through the Dec. 7 workshop and other meetings. The board will retain final authority to approve any final referendum question and resolution.

Votes and formal actions recorded at the meeting include the board’s 5–1 vote to proceed with planning for an April 2025 referendum.