JANESVILLE — School District of Janesville voters have agreed to extend an operational referendum that expires at the end of the next school year.
The vote was 13,352 to 11,731
The four-year referendum will 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.
Officials say 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.
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.