Majority of district residents back property-tax-neutral levy in poll presented to Green Bay school board

The Green Bay Area Public School District board heard survey results showing majority support for a proposed, property-tax-neutral operating levy that consultants say would help retain teachers, maintain programs and avoid deep budget cuts.

Consultant Peter told the board the June 3–12 poll of 400 district residents (margin of error about ±5 percentage points) produced strong baseline favorability for the district and majority backing for two tiered levy scenarios. "The four-year non-recurring operating levy for 27 million that would increase to 50 million" drew 67% support and 30% opposition in one reading, he said. A second framing — described as $31 million in early years and $46 million in later years — showed 74% support and 23% opposition.

Peter said the poll measured demographics and economic sentiment as context for a fall referendum. He noted roughly 4 in 10 residents report being financially stressed and that only about one-third of residents say the district is adequately funded. "Because the funds would be used to retain and attract quality teachers, maintain education programs, and provide financial stability to avoid deep budget cuts," he said, the absence of a property-tax increase in the scenarios helped raise support.

The survey sampled across the district (about 70% of respondents from Green Bay, 14% from Bellevue, 12% from Allouez) and found consistent favorable ratings for the board, administration and teachers. Peter cautioned that subdividing the 400-sample into small municipal cells reduces statistical reliability and advised the board to present a simple ballot structure: "Simplicity is the best option moving forward with the funding request to the public."

Board members asked for the slide deck and a municipal breakdown; Peter said the deck would be shared and reported municipal-level support near 71–73% for the larger municipalities, noting small cell sizes in less-populated areas. Janette reminded the board that the Legislature will not reconvene until January 2027 and highlighted upcoming election dates that govern referendum timing.

No formal decision was made at the meeting. Board members said they will consider the poll results and craft a referendum question at a July work session before finalizing language for any ballot measure.