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Byron board authorizes planning for November 2025 operating referendum amid budget pressure
Summary
The Byron Public Schools board voted to authorize staff and a steering committee to begin planning an operating referendum for the November 2025 ballot after hearing that past cuts and enrollment declines have left the budget strained.
The Byron Public Schools board voted Wednesday to authorize district staff and a newly formed steering committee to begin planning an operating referendum for the November 2025 ballot.
Superintendent (Superintendent) told trustees the district’s finances remain tight after prior adjustments and a failed referendum last year. “My recommendation is to look at a referendum for this fall again,” he said, urging the board to allow planning to proceed so communications, community outreach and consultant work can begin.
The board was presented with budget context: enrollment declines, a 2.74% increase in the state student formula that applies only to part of the roughly $28 million budget, and large projected health‑insurance increases. The superintendent noted the district’s unassigned fund balance fell after prior adjustments and that earlier reductions of about $1.6 million required staff and program cuts.
A board member (Committee member) framed the vote as necessary to avoid additional cuts, saying trustees had been clear in recent months that without extra revenue the district would continue making reductions. “Without this, we’ll be making cuts,” the member said.
Board members discussed timeline and governance: a steering committee with board members, administrators, teachers and a parent will develop timelines, plan communications and vet consultant options. The superintendent said the board will later adopt a resolution setting the specific amount and ballot question, likely by July 1, and recommended finalizing question wording in May or June to allow an August push before the election.
A motion to begin referendum planning — described by the mover as authorization to go out for an operating referendum in November 2025 — was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.
Next steps: the steering committee will start outreach and draft communications; the board will consider the exact dollar ask and ballot language in coming months and is scheduled to review planning work during April meetings leading up to formal action before July.
