School Funding Information
How much is the capital referendum for?
What would the referendum money be used for?
What might the tax impact be with a passed referendum?
What about the fund balance?
We are currently experiencing unanticipated maintenance costs at the high school. We recently discovered pinhole leaks in the water pipes at the high school, which have caused significant moisture problems throughout the school, affecting the bathrooms, a special education room, the library, and the guidance department. Despite these challenges, professional remediation specialists have been engaged to address the issues promptly, ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff.
In light of the unexpected maintenance costs, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of a healthy fund balance. Much like a savings account, this fund, which comprises operating surpluses and deficits, acts as a protective buffer against economic uncertainties and unforeseen expenses like extensive repairs. A fund balance enables the district to pay bills without short-term borrowing and swiftly respond to crises like this without compromising the quality of education or support services for students. It ensures that necessary repairs and maintenance can proceed promptly, without delay, thereby safeguarding the educational environment and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Using the fund balance in times of crisis speaks to the district’s prudent stewardship of taxpayer dollars and underscores its commitment to fiscal responsibility. This commitment is vital for the continued success and resilience of the school district, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and preserving this financial resource for the benefit of all stakeholders.
How might a referendum impact a tax payer within the School District?
Have any of our neighboring communities had a referendum?
What is our history for referendums?
Do other districts in the State have debt related to capital needs?
Currently 70% of the districts state-wide have debt referenda.
What is a mill rate and how is it determined?
This is an example of how your taxes would look if you had a $100,000 home.
Keep in mind that the specific rules and regulations for property tax calculations can vary from one jurisdiction to another. Each taxpayer has multiple taxing jurisdictions, your K-12 school, your technical college, your county and your township, city or village. We are only addressing the school portion of your property taxes!
What is the historical mill rate for the School District of Westfield?
There has been a decrease in the mill rate by $3.78 since 2015.
How does our mill rate compare to our conference and fence-line neighbors?
How do schools get funded?
The State has imposed Revenue Limits on each individual school and has identified the minimum amount of revenue a district can generate per pupil. The School District of Westfield is at the lowest revenue limit identified by to state required to provide a uniform and practicable education. The new low revenue limit is $11,000 per pupil. The revenue limit is obtained by state general aid and property taxes. The mixture of state aid and property taxes varies between districts.
These are caps placed on the amount of money that a school district is allowed to generate to control and regulate the amount of revenue a district can raise from its stakeholders through taxes.
The calculation for determining the revenue limits is based on several factors;
1) a 3-year rolling average of membership (district's student population over a three-year period). 2) a base amount determined by the state and varies from district to district and 3) and various exemptions such as declining enrollment, operational referendum and vouchers for students to attend private schools.This calculation ensures that school districts have a controlled source of funding and the state plays a role in regulating and supporting education funding.
How have revenue limits kept up with inflation?
Notice that schools did not receive revenue limit increase in the 2016, 2022, and 2023 school years.
Additionally, if the graph were to go back to the 2009-2010 school year, the amount per pupil would equate to $3, 325. This equates to more than $4 million of increased revenue for the School District of Westfield in the 2023 school year alone.
What's the levy and how does the State revenue increase impact our District?
How do we calculate the mill rate?
Equalization Aid 101...
Revenue Limit Forecast Model
How does our funding compare to voucher schools?
School District Of Westfield
Website: https://www.westfield.k12.wi.us/
Location: N7046 County Road M, Westfield, WI, USA
Phone: 608-296-2141
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/School-District-of-Westfield-101533908631904
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westfieldpioneers