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Southern Door County School Board adopts 2025–26 budget, sets mill rate at $6.99
Summary
The Southern Door County School Board approved the 2025–26 final budget and set the tax levy and a proposed mill rate of $6.99, carrying a projected operating deficit the district attributed to declining state aid and enrollment shifts. The vote was carried by roll call.
The Southern Door County School Board on Monday approved the district's 2025–26 final budget and set the tax levy, following a staff presentation that showed a projected operating deficit and outlined revenue-limit calculations.
Board finance staff told trustees the proposed operating budget projects a deficit of $519,224 and reflects lower state aid and enrollment-related revenue changes. Finance staff said the district is proposing a general fund levy of about $11.8 million and a mill rate around $6.99 while planning an operational referendum to address longer-term needs.
"This budget is, unfortunately, a deficit budget due to the funding challenges that we've been talking about," the finance presenter said, noting declines in federal grant amounts and higher special-education costs. The presentation included state aid and equalized property value updates and explained revenue-limit exemptions the district currently receives.
During the public presentation, Superintendent Kevin Krotzick previewed an anticipated $3,000,000 operational referendum planned for April 2026 intended to help stabilize funding for priority areas without increasing the mill rate above the proposed $6.99 during the referendum period.
After the presentation the board moved and seconded the resolution to adopt the 2025–26 final budget and set the tax levy. The roll-call vote recorded affirmative responses from the members present: Tina; Tina Ellis; Kim Starr; Adam Schott; Janelle Veil; Anna Dolbidge; and Marissa Norton. The chair announced the motion carried.
The finance presentation outlined that the district's operating fund revenue is limited by state law and is affected by the district's three-year rolling membership average; district staff reported a net membership decline and described the state exemptions and aid changes that shape the levy calculation. Staff also said they expect increases in some categorical aid and special-education reimbursement rates but cautioned actuals will be confirmed only after all districts report costs.
The board then moved to routine business. A consent agenda that included prior minutes, expenditure and revenue reports and a list of donations was approved by roll call. Personnel recommendations including retirements, resignations and hiring appointments were also approved before the board voted to adjourn into closed session to discuss confidential personnel and minutes matters.
The board cited Wisconsin open meetings law (Wis. Stat. §19.84(2)) at the start of the meeting and confirmed the meeting notice was published in the Peninsula Pulse and on the district website. The board will reconvene from closed session as required by statute and post any public actions taken following the closed session.
Votes at a glance
- Adoption of 2025–26 final budget and tax levy: motion moved and seconded; roll-call recorded affirmative votes from Tina; Tina Ellis; Kim Starr; Adam Schott; Janelle Veil; Anna Dolbidge; and Marissa Norton. Motion carried.
- Consent agenda: approved by roll call. Motion carried.
- Personnel recommendations: approved by roll call. Motion carried.
The board adjourned into closed session to discuss closed minutes, graduation exceptions and personnel matters; no public action from closed session was recorded before adjournment.
