Waunakee board unanimously calls Nov. 3, 2026 referendum after approving operational and capital resolutions

The Waunakee Community School Board voted unanimously to approve three resolutions that together call for a referendum election on Nov. 3, 2026, placing an operational question and a capital question before voters.

Acting administrator Steve Summers told the board the updated financial plan reduces the capital ask from $105,000,000 to $97,500,000 and that “the impact for the community was 42¢ instead of 43¢,” reflecting updated interest-rate assumptions and timing of borrowings. Summers said the operational resolution converts $2,100,000 of previously nonrecurring funds into recurring revenue and asks for an additional recurring amount described in the packet for each of the next four years.

Board members discussed whether the district should adopt a policy to ensure future boards follow the intent of the referendum allocations if state funding later materializes; the board moved to create that policy and to send language through the policy committee. The three resolutions — the operational revenue-resolution, the capital-resolution and the resolution calling the election — were approved by roll call. The roll-call participants who recorded “aye” were Carly, Ted, Mark, Heather, Chris, Kevin and Chair Joan (7–0 on each roll call).

Why it matters: The operational question is targeted to ongoing employee compensation and district operating costs; the capital question covers specified facility improvements including high-school additions, renovations and districtwide capital maintenance. Administration said voters will see details in the district’s forthcoming communications materials and that the board will make the final October levy decisions after any relevant state budget developments.