Monticello School District is Holding an
Operational Referendum on April 7, 2026
The Heartbeat of Our Community
Small rural schools like Monticello are more than buildings and classrooms—they're the heartbeat of our community. We're one of the largest employers in the area, and we represent everything this community values: excellence, dedication, and a commitment to our children's future. The thought of a community without a school is devastating. The April 2026 operational referendum vote will play an important role in our District's future.
The Reality: Our Financial Safety Net is Nearly Gone
Over the past three years, the general fund balance—the District's financial safety net—has declined dramatically:
• 2022-23: $1,733,719
• 2023-24: $1,435,509
• 2024-25: $982,750
• 2025-26 (estimated): $460,380
Over the last three years, the fund balance has been reduced by more than $1.2 million. Without voter approval of the 2026 referendum, the fund balance may be depleted after one more school year, jeopardizing the District's financial status and future existence.
The Problem: The Revenue Limit Hasn't Kept Pace
Here are the facts: Wisconsin's revenue limit law has allowed our District’s revenues to grow by only $44,587 for this school year’s budget compared to the budget from the 2022-2023 school year —while inflation has driven up costs each year for everything from salaries to utilities to transportation. This is why we've had to use our fund balance to cover rising operating costs for student mental health services, staff retention, insurance, building maintenance, curriculum improvements, and technology. The 2022 referendum provided for an additional $280,000 of revenue beginning in 2022-2023, which has not expired. The graph below covers the period of time the 2022 referendum was in effect (2022-2023 to 2025-2026) and one year prior. In some of the years, the revenue limit decreased.
Our Community Has Historically Supported Operational Referendums
This isn't our first operational referendum. Our community has approved:
• 2008: Voters approved a six-year operational referendum
• 2014: Voters continued support for another eight years
• 2022: Voters approved ongoing support plus temporary additional funding
The temporary $280,000 portion from 2022 has now expired, and we're asking voters to continue that support while addressing the growing gap between revenue and operating costs with $970,000 of additional revenue..
What's At Stake
We're proud of what we've built together: veteran staff with low turnover, dual enrollment partnerships, tremendous scholarship support ($150,000-$300,000 annually), strong workforce partnerships, and state report cards that consistently meet or exceed expectations. If the 2026 referendum does not pass, the District may need to consider painful reductions to our operating budget approaching $700,000, delay building maintenance, equipment, curriculum and vehicle purchases and exhaust fund balance which could fundamentally change—or potentially end—Monticello Schools as we currently know it.
We're Not Asking for Extravagance—Just the Essentials
The 2026 referendum isn't about adding luxuries or expanding programs. It's about maintaining what we have—keeping our school buses running safely, replacing aging HVAC systems, resurfacing our parking lots, and addressing critical but unglamorous building maintenance. It's about retaining the dedicated staff your children know and trust. It's about sustaining the culture and programs that have made Monticello Schools excellent. These are the essentials—the foundation of a functioning school district.
The April 7, 2026 Referendum
What we're asking for:
1. Continue the $280,000 from 2022 (tax-neutral—already in your tax bill)
2. Additional $970,000 per year to maintain our school: replacing aging school buses, upgrading HVAC systems, resurfacing parking lots, addressing facility maintenance needs, updating curriculum, retaining quality staff, and restoring our financial safety net
Tax impact: The new portion would cost approximately $2.56 per $1,000 of property value. For a $100,000 home, that's $256 per year, or about $21 per month.
The 2026 referendum isn't just about providing funding - it’s about our future. The Monticello School District is the heart of our community, providing every child access to an excellent education, maintaining jobs and supporting families.
Election Day: April 7, 2026
Please vote
We Want to Talk With You
We want to make sure our community is informed and understands the facts, the needs and importance of the 2026 referendum. Whether you're an organization, a group, or an individual—if you'd like clarification, a conversation, deeper understanding, or simply a discussion on how rural schools are affected by school funding and the need for community-driven referendums, we want to meet with you.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the school or contact Al Brokopp directly at abrokopp@monticello.k12.wi.us.
Your questions matter. Your understanding matters. Be an informed voter.