Superintendent Michelle Garven has recommended that the School District put a two year $10.4 million operating referendum question and a $12 million capital referendum question on the November 5, 2024 general election ballot. The recommendation was discussed by the Board of Education at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on July 22, 2024. The Board is expected to take action on the proposal at the Regular Board Meeting on July 29, 2024.
The District is facing a funding shortfall due to declining enrollment, increasing costs and lower state aid revenue. District officials have already taken measures to address the shortfall by reducing expenses, delaying maintenance and taking money out of the District’s fund balance.
If the operating referendum is approved, it would allow the District to exceed its state set revenue limits by $5.2 million per year for two years. The tax impact is estimated at $1.58 per each $1,000 of property value per year. A recent community survey showed support for an operational referendum, Garven said.
In the survey, officials also asked residents whether they would support a $39 million capital referendum to address facility needs at all district buildings. The survey results were split on that issue. Garven recommended that the smaller capital referendum be put on the ballot to address only the most critical facility needs. Critical needs were defined as those maintenance and repairs related to safety, security, and cost savings, and those that are needed in the next two to three years. The tax impact of the capital referendum would be estimated to be $.43 per each $1,000 of property value per year.
The Board had previously discussed potentially closing one to two schools to reduce operating expenses. However, Garven said she is not fully prepared to propose another school closure for at least one or two more years. Considering all the input, she believes that there are unresolved concerns regarding closing J.E. Jones Elementary or Cudahy Middle School, and that it is more important to give that decision enough analysis to create a long-term solution.
Instead, she recommended that the District undertake a thorough review of a potential school closure so that officials can demonstrate a long-term solution accompanied by a solid and effective implementation and communication plan for the families and staff affected by a school closure. The parameters for that decision would likely be to:
Effectively meet the educational needs of students first;
Address current and projected enrollment;
Understand and address concerns of families and staff, including such things as class sizes and transportation;
Demonstrate fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.
It was noted that if any school closure or repurposing is proposed, the earliest it would occur is the 2026-27 school year.
During the board meeting, community members were given the opportunity to speak to the board and district administration. A majority of community members voiced their willingness to support a referendum and support the School District of Cudahy. This support is crucial during times of transition. Residents showed gratitude to both the district administration and the school board for their thoughtful consideration in the closure of schools. The decision to implement the two year plan was well received by the community. Moving forward, the district recognizes the need for strong communication and transparency to continue to build trust among the district and community. The district looks forward to continuing to work together to build a stronger school community and provide high quality educational opportunities for our students.