- School District of Beloit
- 2025 Spring Referendum
2025 Operational Referendum
- Spring 2025 Operational Referendum
- What The Ballot Will Say
- Understanding the Tax Levy Impact
- Community Engagement Report
- The Reality: Beloit Schools Have Already Endured Hard Cuts and Tough Choices
- Referendum Informational Sessions and Learning Resources
- 2025 Referendum Brief
- Spring 2025 Referendum Fact Sheet
- Folleto informativo sobre el referendo de primavera del 2025
- Additional Questions Answered
Spring 2025 Operational Referendum Explainer
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On April 1, 2025, voters in the School District of Beloit will consider a referendum to exceed state-imposed revenue limits by $40.24 million over three years.
It addresses staffing, academic programs, student behavior support, and financial and operational needs.
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Projected Funding
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On April 1, 2025, voters in the School District of Beloit will consider a referendum to exceed state-imposed revenue limits by $40.24 million over three years. Approved by six of seven Board of Education members for placement on the ballot, the measure was developed based on input from staff, students, administrators, the Board, and the community. It addresses staffing, academic programs, student behavior support, and financial and operational needs.
If approved, the projected funding would be:
- $9.17 million in 2025–2026
- $14.12 million in 2026–2027
- $16.95 million in 2027–2028
- $9.17 million in 2025–2026
Key Priorities
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Academic Success
The referendum includes approximately *$1.68 million over three years for academic resources and interventions, focusing on reading and math. These funds will help ensure students have access to necessary educational tools and programs identified as priorities by the district and Board of Education to enhance student achievement.
* projected three-year total
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Behavioral Support
The referendum includes approximately *$2.84 million for behavioral support resources and staffing over three years. This funding is allocated for six behavioral support positions ($1.125 million), one assistant principal at Beloit Memorial High School ($351,000), two middle school dean of students positions ($375,000), and six paraprofessional support positions ($990,000). These positions are intended to provide additional behavioral support within schools.
* projected three-year total
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District Stability & Daily Operations
Over three years, the remaining funds, *$23,490,000, will be allocated to district operations, including payroll, utilities, and facility maintenance. Additionally, funding will support student programs such as academics, activities, and special education. The district also maintains reserve funds for unexpected costs, including emergency repairs and transportation, while maintaining technology and infrastructure needs.
* projected three-year total
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Staff Compensation & Retention
A portion of the referendum funding, estimated at *$12,238,298 is allocated for staff compensation and retention. The plan includes a 5% increase in staff compensation each year, though final amounts will be determined through negotiations between the Beloit Education Association (BEA) and the Board of Education (BOE). The estimated total allocation for staff compensation over the three-year referendum period is approximately $3.8 million in Year 1, $4.08 million in Year 2, and $4.35 million in Year 3.
* projected three-year total
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The District remains committed to maintaining strong financial oversight to ensure transparency and accountability. This includes proactive collaboration and regular reviews by the Board of Education and committees, including the Ad Hoc Budget Committee, to carefully monitor and manage how funds are allocated and spent.
What $23.49M Means for Operational Stability
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Gaps in school funding exist not just in Beloit but across the state. Because of this, the district faces everyday shortfalls that directly impact daily operations. This funding is used to cover essential expenses such as:• Employee Benefits (health, dental, retirement contributions, etc.)• Instructional Costs (textbooks, technology, classroom supplies)• Facilities & Maintenance (utilities, repairs, security)• Student Transportation (routes, fuel, maintenance)• Technology & Communication (internet, IT support, software)• Extracurricular Activities (athletics, arts, coaching)• Special Education Services (IEP support, therapy, assistive technology)• Administrative & District Services (legal, training, insurance)This $23.49M portion of the April 1 referendum is not extra spending—it is necessary to fill the gap created when our current funding does not keep pace with rising operational costs. Sharing these facts helps our community understand why additional revenue is essential for maintaining the quality of education and daily services our students depend on.