Consultant outlines referendum options that could bring $510,000 in state aid; board must decide by Aug. 11

Beth from Ehlers (speaker 12) gave a detailed presentation on the district's operating referendum and local optional revenue structure, showing how per-pupil funding has lagged inflation and how moving part of the district's board‑approved allowance to a voter-approved operating referendum could capture seasonal tax base replacement aid. "That dark blue line is showing if the state had kept up with inflation... we're almost $1,500 behind," Beth said when reviewing a per‑pupil funding chart.

Beth explained the mechanics: shifting a portion of the local optional revenue to a voter-approved operating referendum could result in the state covering about 45% of that shifted amount under the new seasonal tax base replacement aid, producing an estimated additional $510,000 in state aid and roughly $1.12 million in annual operational revenue depending on the package chosen. She reminded the board that preliminary levy certification must occur Sept. 30 and that the board needs to act by Aug. 11 to place questions on the November ballot. Board members asked for follow-up projections showing how varying referendum amounts would affect budgets and for public education plans; Beth and district staff agreed to schedule a special meeting and community outreach sessions before the August deadline.

The board did not take formal action on a referendum question at the meeting; administrators said they would convene a special session to consider proposed questions and exact dollar amounts, and staff will prepare projection scenarios and outreach materials.