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Sparta Area School District board sets $1.5M–$2.5M referendum options for community survey
Summary
After lengthy discussion about projected cuts and tax impacts, the board voted 6–1 to ask School Perceptions to poll three operating referendum options: $1.5 million, $2.0 million and $2.5 million. The motion will inform whether the district proceeds toward an April 2027 referendum.
The Sparta Area School District board voted to send three operating referendum amounts—$1.5 million, $2.0 million and $2.5 million—to School Perceptions for community polling. Chair moved the draft options and a second carried the motion on a roll-call vote, 6–1.
Board members discussed the district’s projected budget shortfalls and how the amounts would affect program cuts. Mr. Russ told the board that without a referendum the district was "looking at about $1,600,000 in reductions" for 2027–28 and that reductions could grow in later years depending on enrollment and state aid. Several members argued a higher ask reduces later cuts; one member expressed concern about starting too low and being forced to guess smaller amounts later.
The board also considered tax-impact examples shown by staff. Mr. Russ noted that a $2.5 million ask would have a conservative first-year tax impact of about $84 per $100,000 of assessed value before anticipated state reimbursement in subsequent years. Board members emphasized the distinction between surveying community tolerance and placing a referendum on the ballot; School Perceptions will return refined wording and recommended option order to maximize statistically valid responses.
Next steps: staff will work with School Perceptions to finalize survey wording, including QR-linked supporting material, and return the draft to the board for final approval. The district indicated the earliest feasible referendum timing would be April 2027 if the board chooses to proceed.
