Operating Referendum
The Monticello School District is facing a critical funding challenge that will be decided by voters on April 7, 2026. Due to years of revenue limits that haven't kept pace with inflation, the District's financial safety net (fund balance) has declined by more than $1.2 million over the past three years—from $1.7 million in 2022-23 to an estimated $460,380 for 2025-26.
Wisconsin's revenue limit law has allowed Monticello's revenues to grow by only $44,587 over a three-year period, while costs for salaries, utilities, transportation, student mental health services, and building maintenance have increased significantly each year.
If the April 2026 operational referendum is not approved, the District may need to make approximately $700,000 in budget reductions and could see its fund balance completely depleted within one school year. These cuts would impact staff retention, delay critical building maintenance and equipment purchases, and could fundamentally change—or potentially end—Monticello Schools as we know it.
The referendum asks voters to:
Continue the $280,000 from the 2022 referendum (tax-neutral—already in your tax bill)
Approve an additional $970,000 per year to maintain school operations, replace aging buses, upgrade HVAC systems, resurface parking lots, and restore the 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 District remains committed to transparency and invites the community to stay engaged. If you'd like to discuss the referendum or have questions, please contact Al Brokopp at abrokopp@monticello.k12.wi.us. Additional updates will be shared as Election Day approaches. #PonyProud
