On August 19, 2020, the School District of Niagara School Board approved moving forward with two referendum questions on the November 3rd ballot.
The first question is a debt for facilities question, it asks voters for approval to borrow $3,995,000 to invest in our schools by implementing additional safety and security measures, addressing aging infrastructure/capital maintenance needs and enhance education spaces.
The second question is an operational question and it asks voters to give the district the authority to exceed the revenue limit for four years. The district is asking permission to exceed the revenue limit by $250,000 in 2020-21 and $500,000 for each of the next three school years, ending in 2023-24. This additional funding will pay for educational opportunities and programming.
Together these two referendum questions are designed as a comprehensive solution to help us continue supporting our students and maintaining our schools into the future.
The Comprehensive Solution
How was the plan developed?
In December of 2019, the district began assessing the current state of our schools and site. A facilities study was completed by Miron Construction and UP Architects and Engineers. The district worked with Miron to prioritize our list of needs and create a solution that addresses our most pressing issues while being good stewards of tax dollars.
These results were communicated to the public at an information session in July 2020 and attendees were encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed plan.
What is on the ballot November 3rd?
Why two questions?
The two questions use different funding sources. According to state law, debt for facilities projects (Question 1) and authority to exceed the revenue limit (Question 2) to pay for educational opportunities and programming cannot be combined. Voters must respond to each question independently.
What is included in Question 1?
What is included in Question 2?
The funds from Question 2 would be utilized to pay for educational opportunities and programming to maintain:
Mark your calendar – You’re Invited
Voting Information
Visit myvote.wi.gov to learn more about your three voting options:
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request an absentee ballot
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vote in-person starting October 20, at your municipal office
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Vote at the polls on November 3
For more information, reach out to your municipal clerk:
City of Niagara: 715.251.3235
Town of Niagara: 715.251.1545
Referendum Links:
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