March 15 Newsletter

In the fall of last year, we shared with our community that our district faced two primary challenges: lack of funding and aging facilities. To gather input and feedback, explain our budget process, and address district needs, we surveyed School District of Beloit residents. Based on the survey results and several community listening sessions, the Board of Education adopted an operational referendum question to appear on the April 2, 2024, ballot to address our lack of funding, which would impact student academic achievement and our most critical maintenance needs.

The survey results indicated that respondents would support a $9 million nonrecurring, three-year referendum. Additionally, we asked survey participants to share what cost-cutting measures the district should take should an operational referendum not pass. Overwhelmingly, respondents did not support any cuts in the district's budget, including technology, transportation, curriculum, student support services, class sizes, middle and high school course offerings, building maintenance, athletics and fine arts offerings, or elementary school specials.

During the past few months, we hosted community informational sessions to discuss what the operational referendum would support and the positive impact it would have on student academic achievement. Access this link to view the document outlining how the referendum will support our district.

We want to support our community's feedback. However, if the referendum does not pass, we must consider cost-cutting measures to present a balanced budget for the 2024-2025 school year. We are not alone in our pursuit of an operation referendum. In fact, 91 Wisconsin school districts have a referendum question on the April 2 ballot.

If you want to learn more about our upcoming operational referendum, please access our 2024 Operational Referendum webpage or contact your child(ren) 's school principal. Together, we are better.

In service,

Dr. Willie E. Garrison II

School District of Beloit Superintendent

In-person absentee voting days and hours:

• 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays March 19 - 22 and March 25 - 28
• 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 24
• 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 29.

In-person absentee voting will take place on the 1st floor at City Hall. Voters must be registered before they can request an absentee ballot.

Our 2024 Referendum webpage is updated with additional information. Access our videos section, podcast section, and view the most recent informational materials.

Your child’s school will send out more detailed information specific to their testing schedule in the near future so that you are aware of the testing days by grade level. Please support your child in preparing for a positive testing experience by encouraging them to do their best effort and ensuring they are well-rested.

Promoting positive test-taking with your child(ren) can be helpful. Encouraging your student to get a good night's sleep is important, showing up to a test well-rested is one of the best things to do on test day.

The Forward Exam is administered online in the spring of each school year at:

• Grades 3, 5, 6, and 7 in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics,
• Grades 4 and 8 in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Science and Social Studies
• Grades 10 Social Studies.

Please feel free to reach out to your child(ren)’s teacher with any follow-up questions or access this family brochure provided by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Our district is hosting a Mental Health Awareness Event on Thursday, March 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Fruzen Middle School. The event will include:

• Mental Health and Wellness Resources
• 30+ Community Partners
• Free Food from Lil Frank's BBQ
• Raffles including a 50 inch TV, Rockford Ice Hog Tickets, Gift Cards, and more

The event is free and open to the public. Students in Grades 6 - 12 and their families are encouraged to attend.

This week, we share information on more than a dozen events including BMHS's the Spongebob Musical, Aldrich Expo, Fruzen Expo, Breaking the Stigma on Mental Health, and countless others.

Community Referendum Informational Session: Wednesday, March 27 (Kolak Education Center)

Upcoming Wednesday Early Release Dates: March 20, April 17, May 3 and 15

No School/Teacher Workday: Thursday, March 28

Spring Break: Friday, March 29 through Friday, April 5

No School/End of Term 3: Monday, April 8

School Resumes: Tuesday, April 9

Access our 2023-2024 school calendar for all the details.

At the School District of Beloit, we enjoy sharing events, achievements, and recognitions highlighting our students, staff, and community partners. We provide transparent and up-to-date information and communication through our social media platforms, our SDB App, website, weekly school newsletters, and my newsletter. We appreciate the positive engagement by everyone who follows us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and stays connected with us by downloading our SDB App or accessing our News Tab.

We believe in respectful, truthful, and encouraging messaging and communication. We will continue to communicate in that manner with our students, staff, families, and community.