2026 Operating Referendum Home

• Maintain current education programs and services.
• Allows the district to access available state funding.
• Supports staffing needs for quality education.
• Stabilizes the district’s budget.

Taxpayer support allows the district to continue providing high-quality educational opportunities for students.

BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of the Prairie du Chien Area School District, Crawford County, Wisconsin that the revenues included in the School District budget be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $975,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year and ending with the 2028-2029 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational expenses, including maintaining educational programming.

• Closing B.A. Kennedy and selling two district-owned houses.
• Eliminated 15 positions and reduced support staff.
• Reduced 1 bus route and 5 in-town bus stops.
• Reduced athletic funding by 18%.
• Reduced academic programming and co-curricular activities.

After making $1.4 million in cuts, any further reductions would directly affect student programs, staffing, and services.

No. The district purchased the properties for $191,000 and later sold two of the homes (the red and blue houses) for $355,000. This resulted in a net gain for the district. It is important to note that proceeds from property sales are considered one-time revenue and cannot be relied upon to support ongoing operational expenses.

Yes. If the referendum passes, the projected school district mill rates are:

• $6.81 in 2026–27
• $6.63 in 2027–28
• $6.49 in 2028–29

These projected rates are all below the current CESA 3 average of $7.54 and the Wisconsin statewide average of $7.09 in the 2025–26 school year

It is possible. Property taxes for schools are based on the district you reside in. If Prairie du Chien were to consolidate with a district that has a higher mill rate, the school district portion of property taxes could be higher. Prairie du Chien currently has one of the lowest school district mill rates in the CESA 3 region, so consolidation with a higher-cost district could result in an increase.

in 2016, the Prairie du Chien community approved a Capital Improvement referendum that included the addition of the Performing Arts Center and Fieldhouse. These facilities were built to support student opportunities and serve as community spaces that make a positive impact on the economic development of our community. The funds received from this referendum could not have been used for operational costs.

School district funds are separate “buckets,” and each can only be used for specific purposes.

Capital Projects Fund (Fund 41)

 Used for major building and facility projects, such as:

• Construction
• Large-scale renovations

Typically funded through borrowing (referendum-approved).

General Fund (Fund 10)

This is the district’s main operating fund. It supports day-to-day education, including:

• Teacher and staff salaries
• Classroom instruction and materials
• Student services (special education, counseling)
• Transportation and administration