JANESVILLE — School District of Janesville voters will be back at the polls in November where they will be asked to extend an operational referendum that expires at the end of the next school year.
The proposed four-year referendum would allow SDJ to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit, beginning with $18.5 million in the 2027-28 school year. An approved referendum would enable the district to maintain staffing, student programs, academic support services, classroom resources, and other district operational needs.
According to a district news release, the referendum would then allow the district to exceed revenue limits by $22.5 million for the 2028-2029 school year, by $26.5 million for the 2029-2030 school year, and by $30.5 million for the 2030-2031 school year.
“The decision to bring this referendum forward reflects our commitment to planning responsibly for the future of our schools while continuing to provide students with the programs, services, and support they need to succeed,” said Superintendent Mark Holzman. “We are committed to sharing clear, accurate information throughout this process so our families, staff, and community members understand the district’s needs and how this funding would support student success.”
The district continues to face financial challenges driven by rising costs of essential services and limitations in the state’s school funding formula, which has not kept pace with inflation and rising demands on schools. These challenges come as SDJ addresses growing needs in areas such as special education, language services, and academic supports.
Without renewed funding, SDJ projects a $18.5 million shortfall by the 2027-28 school year, growing to more than $30 million by 2031.
The district’s current operational referendum, which expires on June 30, 2027, has helped support operations and maintain programs and resources that benefit students. Extending this funding would allow the district to continue those investments while responsibly addressing future financial challenges.
Operational referendum funding may only be used for day-to-day operational expenses. It cannot be used for construction, building additions, or facility renovation projects.