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Board approves Fund 80 community‑service levy to shift and expand co‑curricular funding
Summary
The board approved a community service (Fund 80) levy that shifts middle‑school co‑curricular costs into Fund 80 (estimated $300,000) and adds funds for Grow La Crosse garden programming; administrators said the change is a levy transfer and an additional revenue stream that will affect taxpayers via the district levy.
The La Crosse Board of Education voted Aug. 18 to approve a community service fund (Fund 80) levy that would shift middle‑school co‑curriculars and add targeted programming investments.
Administration described a plan to move co‑curricular middle‑school programs (sports and non‑athletic activities) into Fund 80 at an estimated $300,000, which they characterized as a transfer of costs from Fund 10 but also noted Fund 80 is a separate levy that would generate new revenue. "Functionally new revenue," one administrator said, explaining that the levy provides additional capacity to fund activities and to increase compensation for coaches and co‑curricular staff.
Board members sought clarity on whether the change represented new spending and its tax impact. Staff confirmed the levy would be separate from the general fund and that, depending on property values and the final levy, the mill rate effect could be modest; the administration estimated a five‑cent mill‑rate increase resulting in roughly $10 more per year for the average homeowner of a $200,000 house if all proposals were adopted.
Several trustees said they favored funding co‑curriculars to increase access and reduce the reliance on booster clubs and family payments; others expressed concern about increasing the levy and the burden on taxpayers. After discussion a motion to approve the community service fund levy passed on a voice roll call vote.
The administration also provided a line‑by‑line view of existing fund shares for partner programs (e.g., Boys & Girls Club surround care) and indicated fund updates will be part of future budget documents.
