Supt. Jamie Benson

Change happens at the speed of trust; therefore, I am writing to briefly summarize the School District of River Falls’ two community referendum questions to be slated for the Feb. 20, 2024 ballot. PLEASE be sure to visit rfsd.k12.wi.us/referendum2024 for much more detailed information.

Question #1:  Operational Referendum –  Seeks voter approval to increase our revenue limit authority in a “three-year step-up” approach including $1 million (2024-25), $2 million (2025-26), $3 million (2026-27), capped at $3 million recurring (2027-beyond) for operational expenses (including to maintain programs and services, to hire and retain staff, to purchase instructional materials/supplies, etc.)

Estimated property tax impact of operational referendum Question #1 is as follows:

• $1 million for 2024-25 ($5 per $100,000 assessed property value)
• $2 million for 2025-26 ($11 (previous $5+$6=11) per $100,000 assessed property value)
• $3 million for 2026 - 27 ($19 (previous $11+8=$19) per $100,000 assessed property value)
• $3 million for 2027 - beyond (locked at $19 [per year] on $100,000 assessed property value)

Question #2:  Bond Referendum – 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.)
2. Transportation Center ($4 million approx.)
3. Indoor multi-purpose space ($4 million approx.)

Estimated property tax impact of the $28 million bond referendum (Facilities Referendum Question #2) is locked at $58.50 (per year) on $100,000 of assessed property value.

In response to an apparent misunderstanding written in a community member’s letter to the editor last week, I want to clarify that the referendum does NOT include a high school outdoor athletic stadium. The community survey did ask that question; however, the survey results did not support an outdoor stadium – the board listened to the survey and have aligned the referendum questions to those responses..

In the coming weeks, we will provide informative videos, newspaper articles, districtwide mailings, social media information, and face-to-face public meetings. The following Community Forum dates are scheduled:

• 6 p.m. Jan. 11– High School Community Forum
• 6 p.m. Jan. 23 – Meyer Middle School Community Forum
• 6 p.m. Feb. 6 – Greenwood Elementary Community Forum

Please see our website rfsd.k12.wi.us/referendum2024 for additional coffee/lunch dates and other detailed referendum information.

Despite a long history in the SDRF of planning ahead, reducing debt, and saving for capital expenses, state-imposed inequitable revenue limits (state-imposed revenue cap limit) have not allowed revenue to keep up with inflation.

In September, the district surveyed the community to gather opinions related to potential facility projects, to provide background information related to facility options, to identify projected costs, and to provide preliminary property tax impact estimates of potential referendum projects. The district received nearly 2,000 completed surveys which were collected and summarized by an independent firm (School Perceptions).

On Nov. 20, after analyzing community survey results, the board approved a committee recommendation for the above two referendum questions. The next step in moving will be for the board to approve the formal resolutions on Dec. 11, 2023, stating the exact language to be included on the Feb. 20 referendum ballot.

Transparent communication is grounded in our district’s referendum communication effort. Thank you in advance for taking the time to make an informed referendum decision. 

For more detailed information please visit: rfsd.k12.wi.us/referendum2024 or contact me at 715-425-1800.

Change happens at the speed of trust.