Raymond #14 board authorizes $1.2 million short-term credit, votes to place $750,000 operational referendum on April ballot

The Raymond #14 School District board voted on Jan. 20 to pay off a line-of-credit extension and negotiate a new six-month credit agreement for $1.2 million to bridge month-to-month cash-flow gaps while the district pursues an operational referendum.

Mr. Leach, the district administrator, told the board the bank offered an extension after a September short-term loan was not repaid on schedule and the district used loan proceeds to cover summer bills. "There was not a default. We are not bankrupt," Mr. Leach said, adding that the district expects a large tax distribution in January and an additional payout in February that will allow it to retire the extension. He recommended the board authorize administration to pay off the extension and reenter a line of credit. The motion to approve that action passed unanimously.

At the same meeting the board voted to place a three-year, nonrecurring operational referendum on the April 1 ballot asking voters to authorize the district to exceed the state revenue limit by $750,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2025–26 school year. Administration and board members said the measure is intended to rebuild a depleted fund balance, pay some debt and preserve current operations and programs. "This is merely money that helps us flow across the months that we're paid in accordance with when DPI gives us money," Mr. Leach said, explaining the request targets cash-flow, debt reduction and fund-balance stabilization rather than a capital project.

Board member (audience roll call) votes were recorded in a roll call on the referendum resolution: Audrey Kostick, Ed Robinson, Patty Wren, Janelle Wise and Mike Powers voted "yes," and the motion carried. The chair confirmed the exact ballot language reads that revenues may exceed the limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $750,000 per year for three years; the election date was scheduled for April 1.

The board also approved a conservative open-enrollment plan earlier in the meeting, voting to accept 51 regular-education open-enrollment seats. Board members discussed open enrollment as one source of additional revenue — estimating roughly $9,000 per new student — but agreed it should not be the district's primary budget strategy.

The district auditor reported a decrease in the general fund of $707,195 for fiscal 2023–24, and that revenues exceeded budget by about $172,000 while expenditures exceeded budget by about $747,000; the auditor recommended closer line-item review for benefits accounts. The audit found no instances that indicated fraudulent activity and the report was issued 'clean' and in compliance with reporting requirements.

Public commenters raised concerns about budget management and legal spending. Jennifer Hanson, a parent and former PTO member, urged the board to welcome more open-enrollment families for the additional revenue and community involvement they bring. Another commenter who identified as a former teacher and principal alleged the board had been opaque about finances and pointed to attorney and insurance payments involving WRS retirement matters; the board did not take formal action on those specific allegations during the meeting.

The board also reviewed personnel changes, accepted two resignations and approved the 2025–26 school calendar. The administration said it will publish referendum materials and schedule community outreach ahead of the April election.

The board adjourned at 8:10 p.m.