BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – Officials with the Howard-Suamico School District are stuck asking “what’s next?”
The district’s referendum question, which asked voters to allow it to exceed the state revenue limit by $4,000,000 in 2017-18 and for an indefinite amount of years, was met with heavy opposition Tuesday.
The 5,046 ‘no’ votes compared to 2,097 ‘yes’ votes, made for a more than 70/30 margin.
School officials say the funds were needed to maintain current staffing levels and class sizes while also covering facility maintenance.
Superintendent Damian LaCroix says Tuesday’s vote was “more than just a missed opportunity, because the need remains. Regrettably, there will be negative operational consequences.”
LaCroix expects that could include cutting 20 full-time positions in the 2017-18 school year, thus increasing class sizes from the current 25 student to one teacher ratio.
He notes the district will likely have to defer maintenance for a second straight year and re-negotiate its bussing and cleaning contracts.
Facing a $3,000,000 budget deficit this coming school year, LaCroix says the school board will have to discuss going back to the voters in the near future.
“It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when and how.”
