Whitewater Times

The Lake Geneva Joint #1 School Board has approved an operational referendum to be included on the April 1, 2025 ballot. The proposal seeks voter approval for $4 million annually over four years, starting with the 2025-2026 school year and concluding in the 2028-2029 school year. These funds are intended for non-recurring purposes.

Superintendent Dr. Peter Wilson emphasized the importance of this referendum, stating, “The Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District takes great pride in being an integral part of our community as we fulfill our mission to engage, educate, and empower the students, staff, and community. At the same time, our districts face financial challenges that require the attention of our entire community." He added that if approved, priorities would include improving school safety and security infrastructure, maintaining academic programs and extracurricular activities for students, and sustaining student-to-staff ratios within target class sizes.

George Chironis, Director of Business Services at Lake Geneva Schools, noted that an operational referendum is necessary due to "continued decreasing revenues and rising operational costs."

The need for referendums is not unique to Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District. Baird Financial reports that over 85% of districts statewide have sought similar support from their communities. According to Wisconsin Policy Forum data from last year (2024), a record number of 148 operating referendums were held across Wisconsin.

Chironis further explained how the district has managed its finances: “The Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District has continued their long-standing tradition of excellence while being fiscally responsible." Since 2019, enrollment-driven reductions have resulted in cutting over 27 certified staff positions through attrition and realignment based on best practices. Last year saw additional budget cuts alongside increased employee contributions to health insurance and exhaustion of federal grants for ongoing expenses.

If voters approve the referendum, it would result in an estimated property tax increase of $0.78 per $1,000 of equalized property value annually. For a home valued at $300,000 this translates into a yearly increase of $234 or approximately $19.50 monthly.

For more details about the district's needs and proposed referendums visit the Lake Geneva Schools website.