Kenosha board authorizes referendum question to raise $23 million annually for five years

The Kenosha School Board on Nov. 19 approved a resolution authorizing the district to exceed its revenue limit by $23,000,000 per year for five years, a nonrecurring referendum the administration says addresses a projected $19 million deficit for 2025-26.

Superintendent Dr. Weiss framed the discussion around four takeaways from a Nov. 7 safety incident at Roosevelt, calling out doors, controlled entrances, staff actions and law-enforcement coordination as lessons learned. "The controlled entrances provided, time in this situation for staff members to confront this individual to ask questions that ultimately caused the student to flee," he said during the presentation, citing multi-jurisdictional response through the county's CSTAG planning group.

Board member Dr. Price moved the resolution and a second motion providing for the referendum election followed as required by state statute. Price said the ask reflected difficult choices after reductions and the end of temporary ESSER funding: "Our only option when we don't have the funds is to frankly reduce our costs," he said, arguing a temporary nonrecurring ask allows future accountability and a five-year pivot point.

Opponents voiced concerns about message clarity and the size of the request. Board member Tierney noted survey data showing support estimates fell as the ask rose, saying the district must improve messaging before seeking voter approval. Several public speakers also urged clarity and transparency on how security and operational figures fit together.

Administration outlined two referendum structures: a five-year nonrecurring ask and a recurring permanent increase, and said the proposed package includes operational needs plus an estimated additional $2.0–2.5 million per year to cover a state loan payment to install controlled entrances at seven schools. Mr. Hamden described those estimated construction and financing figures as preliminary and dependent on final interest rates and bids.

The motion to place the nonrecurring $23 million-per-year question on the ballot passed by voice vote. The board also approved the related statutory motion to provide for a referendum election; legal counsel (Quarles & Brady) was cited as advising the form and process required for a ballot question.

Next steps: the administration said it will finalize financing terms, prepare an information campaign should the board proceed, and return to the board with debt-issuance options and construction timelines if voters approve the measure.