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Southern Door board approves $3.15 million-per-year operational referendum question for April 7 election
Summary
The Southern Door County School District board voted to place a three-year, $3,150,000-per-year operational referendum on the April 7 ballot to cover staff compensation, safety, facilities and program continuity. The board approved two resolutions to authorize the revenue increase and to provide for a referendum; early voting begins March 24.
The Southern Door County School District Board of Education voted Jan. 19 to place an operational referendum on the April 7 ballot that would authorize the district to exceed state revenue limits by $3,150,000 per year for three years for non-recurring operational purposes.
At the meeting Board President Kim Starr summarized the action and read a public comment letter from Hannah Delvitch urging the board to move forward: "Southern Door is at a critical crossroads ... Without this referendum, we risk losing programs, opportunities, and the quality of education that make Southern Door exceptional," Delvitch wrote, and Starr read the statement into the record on her behalf.
Superintendent (speaking during the superintendent’s report) and administrators tied some referendum priorities to district needs identified in recent budget reviews and the district’s literacy reporting: the resolutions state the funds would support teacher and staff compensation, safety and security, maintaining facilities and continuing educational programs and services.
During the agenda item the board considered two resolutions: (A) authorizing the district budget to exceed the revenue limit by $3,150,000 per year for three years and (B) providing for a referendum election on that question. Board members moved and seconded the resolutions and approved them on a roll-call vote. Motion by Adam; second by Marissa. The board recorded affirmative votes and the chair declared the motion carried. The board also noted that early voting for the referendum will begin March 24.
Kim Starr closed the meeting urging unity on the effort to move the question to voters: "we all have to stick together and make this go through because it's a must for Southern Door Schools," she said.
Next steps: the district will publish referendum materials, begin the communications phase described in the packet if the board’s resolutions are processed, and prepare for the April 7 election.
