Investing in the Future of Our Students - Portage Community School District Operational Referendum
The Portage Community School District is requesting the passage of an operational referendum on April 7, 2026.
This referendum will be used to support existing district operations and improve student opportunities.
We are asking permission for a maximum of $3.7 million over each of the next three school years (2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29.) We need this referendum as the current funding formula used by the State of Wisconsin does not provide the dollars necessary for us to continue to offer a high level of educational programs and services for our students. Previously approved referendum dollars have been spent only on what was needed for student programming. Over the last 23 years, with the passage of multiple operational referendums, the district has had the opportunity to spend/tax an additional $59.1 million, yet left $10.8 million of those dollars unspent/untaxed.
Previously approved referendum monies have allowed for increased participation and performance on college placement exams, greater student access to technology (1:1 initiative in grades 6-12), and revised courses aligned to higher academic standards. Our ability to stay up-to-date with technology has allowed our district to transition to At-Home Learning efficiently.
The district continues to look for ways to limit our spending and improve our efficiencies. In fact, over the last 10 years, district spending has increased at an average rate of 2.66%, while the rate of inflation was 3.34% over that same time frame.
Passage of this referendum is projected to not increase school tax rates, as the $3.7 million referendum per year amount is the same as the previously approved school operational referendum. Additional operational referendum information is available on our website: www.portage.k12.wi..us. Questions can be directed to Joshua Sween or Peter Hibner by calling 608-742-4879, or via email - sweenj@portage.k12.wi.us or hibnerp@portage.k12.wi.us.
