Feb. 16, 2025 7:45p
(WGTD)---The nation’s coarse political climate has spilled over into the discussion over Kenosha Unified’s operational referendum.
The district will seek approval from voters Tuesday to exceed revenue limits by $23 million in each of the next five years. The district says neither state aid or the levy caps have kept pace with inflation.
The mere mention of the referendum at Saturday’s Choral Fest at Indian Trail High School elicited boos from one or two audience members, according to people who were in attendance.
The referendum reference came from guest conductor Lynn Swanson in her concluding remarks. Swanson had been in the process of talking about her experience as a guest conductor in China where artistic expressions are restricted. "As I worked with them they would ask why in the world are you here. You could be in America. Why would you want to be over here with us. But they had a genuine interest and love for what we have every day," Swanson said. "I know that on Tuesday, there is a referendum. And you can decide."
The crowd erupted with reactions to the booing, prompting Swanson to wait for the uproar to die down before continuing. "I just want to say if you have any questions or if you need any information, (district Fine Arts Director) Scott Plank and your educators are available."
Swanson concluded her remarks quickly and received a warm ovation, according to WGTD Fine Arts Director Greg Berg, who was at the event to volunteer as an accompanist. He said the people he spoke with afterward were shocked by the booing.
On WGTD’s Education Matters last Saturday, KUSD Superintendent Jeff Weiss, the district’s chief financial officer Tarik Hamdan and communications chief Tanya Ruder explained the rationale behind the referendum.
They also responded to complaints and concerns that have been aired on social media. Several posts have questioned whether the district’s financial problems could be at least mitigated by the sale of buildings that were closed in the recent district downsizing. Hamdan said those buildings are less marketable than one might think because of the costs of remediating hazards.
The district has turned several of the properties over to the city for redevelopment. Hamdan said the city and district will split whatever profits result.
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