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REFERENDUM UPDATE (4/1/25)

  • The School District of Beloit would like to thank all those who voted in the Spring 2025 Referendum.  
     
    Final vote count:
     
    ❌ No: 4,447 (50.81%)
    ✅ Yes: 4,306 (49.19%)
     
    This difference is just over 1%, which is a testament to the community’s growing engagement in Beloit’s schools, students, and staff. 
     
    The district faces a $6.2M funding gap immediately, which will grow to $8.9M by 2026, on top of significant cuts already made this year. In the coming weeks, the District will begin the difficult process of reviewing additional reductions that will impact staff, students, and programs.  Despite this setback, our commitment remains strong. We encourage you to stay engaged, attend a board meeting, celebrate achievements, and support our students and staff. 
     
    Beloit, our students need us more than ever. Let’s keep working together to protect and strengthen the future they deserve. 

Spring 2025 Operational Referendum Explainer

  • On April 1, 2025, voters in the School District of Beloit will consider a referendum to exceed state-imposed revenue limits by $40.24 million over three years.

    It addresses staffing, academic programs, student behavior support, and financial and operational needs. 

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Projected Funding

  • On April 1, 2025, voters in the School District of Beloit will consider a referendum to exceed state-imposed revenue limits by $40.24 million over three years. Approved by six of seven Board of Education members for placement on the ballot, the measure was developed based on input from staff, students, administrators, the Board, and the community. It addresses staffing, academic programs, student behavior support, and financial and operational needs.

    If approved, the projected funding would be:

    • $9.17 million in 2025–2026

    • $14.12 million in 2026–2027

    • $16.95 million in 2027–2028

Key Priorities

  • Academic Success

  • Behavioral Support

  • District Stability & Daily Operations

  • Staff Compensation & Retention

  • The District remains committed to maintaining strong financial oversight to ensure transparency and accountability. This includes proactive collaboration and regular reviews by the Board of Education and committees, including the Ad Hoc Budget Committee, to carefully monitor and manage how funds are allocated and spent.

What $23.49M Means for Operational Stability

  • Gaps in school funding exist not just in Beloit but across the state. Because of this, the district faces everyday shortfalls that directly impact daily operations. This funding is used to cover essential expenses such as:
     
    • Employee Benefits (health, dental, retirement contributions, etc.)
    • Instructional Costs (textbooks, technology, classroom supplies)
    • Facilities & Maintenance (utilities, repairs, security)
    • Student Transportation (routes, fuel, maintenance)
    • Technology & Communication (internet, IT support, software)
    • Extracurricular Activities (athletics, arts, coaching)
    • Special Education Services (IEP support, therapy, assistive technology)
    • Administrative & District Services (legal, training, insurance)
     
    This $23.49M portion of the April 1 referendum is not extra spending—it is necessary to fill the gap created when our current funding does not keep pace with rising operational costs. Sharing these facts helps our community understand why additional revenue is essential for maintaining the quality of education and daily services our students depend on.