The Lake Geneva-Genoa City High School Board, which announced the district will head to referendum last month, authorized two questions to appear on the April 6 ballot during a Jan. 11 meeting.
Meanwhile, the next day, the Lake Geneva Joint 1 School District approved one question, according to a district news release.
The news release, meanwhile, added three collective referendums would not cause a negative tax impact on district residents.
“We are pleased to announce that Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District has just retired a considerable amount of debt,” the release states. “This has placed our districts in a favorable position to be able to pass the April 6, 2021 referendum questions for Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District and Lake Geneva Joint 1 School District with no tax increase for our residents.”
Both districts, according to the questions, will each seek an operational referendum to offset expenses related to programming, staff retention and technology upgrades.
James Gottinger, District Administrator, said on Dec. 14 the referendum will help the district maintain education levels and services.
“The district is seeking $750,000 annually in additional revenue above its current revenue limit,” School District Administrator James Gottinger said. “An operational referendum allows the district to maintain educational programming and class sizes, retain staff, and address safety and technology needs.”
The need for the additional $750,000 outlined by the School District is a result of fixed expenses continuing to rise, the increased demand for technology and school safety within the four schools, as well as the substantial decrease in revenue due to declining enrollments.
“The Lake Geneva Joint 1 School District has already made budget reductions in the 2019-20 year through staffing reductions of $1.5 million dollars,” Gottinger said.
The questions
Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District
Q1: Shall the Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District, Walworth County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $750,000 beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of ongoing operational expenses, technology and safety upgrades and to maintain current educational programming?
Q2: Shall the Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District, Walworth County, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,000,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of renovations, capital maintenance and updates at the school facilities and site, including safety improvements and technology infrastructure updates, and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment?
Lake Geneva Joint 1 School District
Q1: Shall the Lake Geneva Joint School District No. 1, City of Lake Geneva, Towns of Bloomfield, Geneva, LaFayette, Linn, Lyons and Spring Prairie, Walworth County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $750,000 beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, for recurring purposes consisting of ongoing operational expenses, technology and safety upgrades and to maintain current educational programming?
School District officials say if the referendum passes, the impact to taxpayers will be minimal, if any.
“More and more school districts across the state have gone to referendum to meet their budgetary needs and we are one of the last to ask,” Lake Geneva Schools Busi-ness Administrator George Chironis said last month. “Over the past six years, the tax rate for Lake Geneva Joint 1 has steadily declined and the referendum needs will have little or no tax impact on the community. The Lake Geneva Joint 1 District will see a tax rate that is still less than 2019-20.”
The last referendum for Lake Geneva Joint 1 was held and approved in 2006 for an addition to Star Center Elementary School, which doubled the size of the school.
A referendum information hub at lakegene-vaschools.com will be created to keep the public informed and public informational sessions will be planned.
Facility upgrades
The Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School, which covers Lake Geneva Badger High School, looks to use the capital improvement referendum for facility upgrades such as replacing the oldest roofing sections and ongoing technology advancements.
The upgrade includes the 1958 portion of Badger High School, according to the Dec. 14 announcement, which indicates officials are targeting remodeling the cafeteria and union.
Other upgrades consist of replacing original main gymnasium bleachers and flooring to provide safe, secure and comfortable environments for students, staff and the community; remodel and secure lobby area and restrooms to meet code and foster a safe and secure environment; renovate the Badger kitchen; and address Code, maintenance, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues throughout 1958 portions of the building.
