July 25, 2024 11a
(WGTD)---A consultant hired by the Kenosha School Board to lay the groundwork for a possible operating referendum is advising the board to take it slow.
Brian Nicol of the Donovan Group told the board this week that he believes surveying community attitudes is crucial.
Nicol was questioned by school board member Todd Price. "What you're saying is that the survey is not scientific but its kind of guiding the board in terms of this is what the community is interested in, and this is why they would or wouldn't support a referendum?" Price asked. Nicol responded: "We try to supply the board with data that will suggest a level of support for specific solutions that the board may choose to put on the ballot."
Nicol is advising against putting a referendum on the ballot before February of next year.
While the school board has already made in some cases painful decisions to balance the budget for the upcoming school year, the district in the 2025-2026 fiscal year is facing a $19 million deficit. Superintendent Jeff Weiss told the board that the figure would be much higher had it not been for the recent district downsizing.
A referendum, if approved by the voters, would allow the school district to exceed state-mandated levy limits.
A decision on whether to hold a referendum is expected to be made in the coming months.
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