Janesville school referendum asks for $150M for security enhancements, special ed improvements

JANESVILLE, Wis. -- The School District of Janesville will turn to voters this November, asking for over $150 million to improve its infrastructure.

The district's Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously approved two referendum questions to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.

The first question asks voters whether or not to renew $14.5 million non-recurring referendum that was initially passed in 2020. Approving the renewal means that the referendum would expire in June 2027 instead of June 2025.

District officials said taxpayers should not see an increase above the district's current portion of the mill rate if they approve the renewal. The district plans to use the money to keep class sizes small, attract and retain staff, and invest in curriculum resources and classroom technology.

The second question asks voters whether or not to approve a capital referendum not to exceed $151.8 million. The money would allow the district to begin the first phase of a long-term facilities plan.

If approved, the district would use $124.5 million to address high-priority maintenance needs. The plan also calls for $11.1 million to boost safety and security infrastructure and $16.2 million to improve special education spaces.

District officials expect the tax impact of the capital referendum to be about $81 per $100,00 of assessed fair market property value. That means homes valued at $300,000 would see a property tax hike of $243 per year starting during the 2025-26 school year.

SDJ is just the latest Wisconsin district to ask voters to help fill funding gaps. Over 50 districts statewide placed referenda on the ballot in the spring.  The Madison Metropolitan School District last month approved two referendum questions to appear on the November ballot to fund operations and facility improvements.

Janesville officials cited a shortfall in state funding increases, inflation and growing mental health and special education needs as reasons for proposing their referenda.

"Our district has operational and facility needs that require the attention of all district residents," Superintendent Mark Holzman said. "District leaders and the Board of Education believe the time has come to address these needs in a comprehensive manner aligned to our strategic plan."

The district had initially considered asking for a larger amount for the capital referendum, but lowered the request after considering feedback from the community.

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