March 15, 2023
Wednesday, March 15
"There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We have hosted more than nine community referendum sessions thus far and have 11 scheduled for the remainder of March. We are also offering virtual sessions for those unable to attend in person. Our referendum website provides dates and time for our in-person sessions and a link to our virtual sessions.
At these community sessions, we share information, content, and the financial impact these referendums will have on our students, staff, and community. It is an opportunity for voters to learn about our Facilities and Operational Referendums and to ask questions. I invite you to attend.
An approval of our operational referendum would allow us to support and focus on student academic achievement through strong curriculum, student-ready access to technology, and student social and emotional resources. Our classroom teachers and support staff will also benefit from this referendum, ensuring they have comprehensive resources, student-centered curriculum and programming, and the most up-to-date technology to engage and support each and every student.
Our facilities referendum also focuses on our students and staff and improves the learning environment at Beloit Memorial High School with an upgrade to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This referendum will also support upgrades and maintenance to our outdoor sports fields and a safe, secure, and welcoming entrance to Beloit Memorial. Together, these referendums would benefit our students and staff in our buildings, in our classrooms, and on our fields. To learn more, please visit our referendum website.
A healthy and thriving school district supports our community’s quality of life, job prosperity, and economic growth. A district operates better when everyone is working together.
In service,
Superintendent Dr. Garrison
First and Foremost, For Our Students: ⭐⭐Vote April 4 ⭐⭐
Questions as they will appear on the April 4th ballot:
Shall the School District of Beloit, Rock County, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $19,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project consisting of: building infrastructure improvements, including HVAC updates, school safety upgrades, roofing and athletic facility improvements at Beloit Memorial High School; district-wide capital maintenance improvements, including roof repairs; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment?
Question Number II: Operational Referendum
Shall the School District of Beloit, Rock County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $14,000,000 for the 2023-2024 school year and by $9,000,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses, including for technology, curriculum and instructional materials, and social and emotional behavioral programs?
Listen to my latest Podcast on the April 4th Referendum Questions
Will My School District Taxes Increase If I Vote Yes for Both Referendums?
It is estimated that the mill rate will stay the same in 2023-2024 at $4.78
The current tax mill rate (the rate the district charges your tax bill) is $4.78 per $1,000 fair market property value:
If you own property valued at 100,000, your school tax is estimated at $478 for 2022-23.
If you own property valued at $50,000, your school tax is estimated at $239 for 2022-23
Reconfiguration
Working collaboratively with our Intermediate Principals, I have scheduled several in-person community listening sessions and a virtual session. I thank everyone who has attended these sessions and provided input. I have one final in-person session scheduled, I invite you to attend.
