Viroqua Area School District places $1.3 million, three‑year referendum on Nov. 5 ballot

The Viroqua Area School District board reminded attendees that it voted in August to place a referendum question on the Nov. 5 ballot asking voters to approve $1,300,000 in nonrecurring operating funds over three years, District Administrator (speaker 6) said. "That is not saying that a referendum has passed," he added, explaining that the board only voted to put the question before voters.

The administrator said the district shifted from its usual five‑year nonrecurring referenda to a three‑year request because of volatility in state aid and uncertainty in the funding formula. "We don't feel confident or comfortable... projecting out five years," he said, adding that a three‑year term provides a clearer short‑term budget picture and would require the district to return sooner to voters if additional operating funds were necessary.

The administrator cited a community survey that drew 875 responses; more than 60% of respondents indicated support for $1,300,000 or more. He said the district will hold multiple community engagement meetings in October and will schedule conversations with local municipalities to explain the proposal and collect feedback.

The board gave no further financial detail about specific projects in the district's public remarks at this meeting; the administrator characterized the funds as intended to maintain current programs and academic services, keep salaries and benefits competitive locally, and pay for minor facility improvements rather than major capital projects such as roofs or HVAC systems.

Next steps: the referendum question will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot and the district plans public engagement in October to present details and answer questions ahead of the vote.