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District outlines referendum outreach with neighborhood sessions and virtual options
Summary
La Crosse School District staff described a mix of neighborhood and virtual information sessions ahead of the Nov. 5 referendum, reporting modest in‑person attendance but broad outreach via radio, flyers, farmers market events and planned door‑hangers.
La Crosse School District officials told the board Sept. 23 they are running a series of referendum information sessions, including a virtual session the next day and neighborhood meetings at Washburn and Emerson Elementary School on Sept. 30, to explain an upcoming operating referendum.
"We've tried to ensure that folks have plenty of opportunity," said a district presenter, noting recent sessions at Hogan, neighborhood associations and the farmers market. Staff said attendance at in‑person events has typically ranged from a handful to a dozen people, with virtual sessions expected to draw larger audiences. The district has promoted sessions on social media, on local radio and with flyers sent to every household in the district.
Board members expressed cautious optimism about outreach but also concern that neighborhoods not directly affected by the referendum have shown quieter turnout. One member noted the district cannot use public funds to urge a vote and therefore keeps materials informational rather than prescriptive. Staff described planned door‑hanger canvassing after school days and a recorded presentation posted online to reach residents who cannot attend live sessions.
The district recommended additional neighborhood meetings at elementary schools most directly affected and encouraged board members to share informational posts; no vote or policy change was taken at the meeting. The next scheduled public information events are a virtual session and an Emerson Elementary session on Sept. 30.
