The Sparta Area School District board voted to move forward with a proposed $1,800,000 operating referendum for three years to appear on the April 2026 ballot, after debating district finances, potential cuts and timing.

Board members approved the motion on a roll call vote, 5–1 with one absence. Mrs. Lopez voted no; Ms. Behrens, Mr. Wells, Mr. Burns Gilbert, Dr. Burnett and Mr. McKenna voted yes.

The board's decision followed a financial presentation outlining a projected 2026–27 deficit and options for using fund balance, delaying a referendum or asking voters now. Sam Russell (identified in the meeting as a district staff member) said the district faces multiyear pressures and showed modeling that blended operating (fund 10) and debt-service (fund 39) impacts to estimate mill-rate changes. "If we go in 2026 and are successful we're still looking at $250,000 of reductions in year 1," Russell said, explaining how the district might spread payments and use stabilization funds.

Public commenter Jim Leverege urged the board to examine spending before asking voters for more money, presenting his own per-student calculations and saying, "The system's broken." Leverege challenged how non-teacher funds are spent and pressed for clearer public reporting.

Board members who backed the motion said the question reflected a choice between steady, planned support for student services and steeper cuts if the district waits. One board member described $1.8 million as "the bare minimum" to avoid further reductions in student supports and staff capacity; others said a $2 million ask would reduce pressure in later years but risk lower voter approval.

The board directed staff to begin the resolution and referendum planning process, including engaging consultants and legal counsel referenced in the meeting, and scheduled a special Committee of the Whole meeting to finalize details. The district also indicated it will continue community outreach and campaign planning in the coming weeks.

The motion followed earlier business, including approval of the consent agenda covering grants and donations, and preceded adjournment of the meeting.

What happens next: district staff will work with consultants and legal counsel to prepare formal referendum materials and timelines; a special meeting of the Committee of the Whole will be held to finalize actions before the April 2026 ballot.