The River Falls School District operational and facilities referenda, on the Feb. 20 ballot, both passed. Superintendent Jamie Benson and River Falls School Board President Stacy Johnson-Myers issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the school board, we are pleased to announce that both questions on yesterday’s referendum passed. The passage of two questions represents the community’s consistent support of public education. Based on reporting from Township and City Election officials, the unofficial results of the School District of River Falls referendum questions are outlined below. The results will be certified by the Board of Canvassers on Feb 27, 2024.

“The School District of River Falls will continue the rich tradition of educational excellence and remains committed to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. With the passage of both referendum questions, our district will be able to avoid reductions in staff, services, programs, and resources. Additionally, we will increase school safety measures, update aging facility infrastructures, construct a bus and vehicle maintenance shop, and provide new opportunities for students and community education.

“Thank you to all who aided in district efforts to share referendum information – and for the community’s commitment to making an informed decision. We will remain transparent and be responsible in our use of taxpayer funds to maximize the impact of your support for student opportunities and experiences.

“We are humbled by the trust that the community has placed in the district. We are committed to upholding that trust. Thank you!”

The two questions on the ballot were:

Question #1:  Operational – The state revenue limit, created in 1993 is an outdated formula that caps the total allowable local revenue to school districts on an annual basis. The state revenue formula has caused 80% of statewide districts to ask their community for operational referendum support. Now, River Falls has hit that same wall where inflation outpaces the allowable revenue hence, that need for an operational referendum question as an alternative to reducing programs, services, and overall expenditures.

An operational referendum asks voters for authorization to exceed the state imposed revenue formula limit for day-to-day operational expenses. It’s called operational because if approved, the district will receive additional funding from the tax levy for our annual, day-to-day operating expenses. 

The operational question seeks voter approval to increase our revenue limit authority in a “three-year step-up” approach including $1 million for 2024-25 (tax impact of $5/$100,000 property value), $2 million for 2025-26 (tax impact of $11/$100,000 property value), $3 million for 2026-beyond (tax impact capped at $19/$100,000 property value).

Question #2:  Bond (Facilities) – Seeks voter approval for a $28 million bond (facilities) set of projects that involve three categories of facility improvements:

1. Security & Building Systems, and Grounds ($20 million approx.) to include new tech-electronic security for interior hallway doors, surveillance cameras, fire protection systems, PA notification systems, generators, HVAC replacements, etc.
2. Transportation Center ($4 million approx.) to replace the current 1966 building with a new facility for maintenance, office, restrooms, combo-lunch mailroom and work stations.
3. Indoor Multi-purpose Space ($4 million approx.) added to the high school to provide improvements for both community and school athletic facilities.  The space would free-up some evening and weekend gym space; support some community education classes; provide new space for the high school wrestling practice out of the middle school basement; dance, yoga, baseball, softball and soccer drill activities.

The tax impact of the facility question is estimated to be $58.50/$100,000 property value.