| By Big Radio News Staff |
Beloit school officials move closer to their final spring operational referendum request.
Referendums have failed in Beloit in the previous two spring elections, and the fiscal situation in the district has continued to deteriorate.
Through two nights of meetings, including Monday night, to eventually boil down a menu of different scenarios to a single referendum question to appear on the spring ballot April 1, district staffing issues have been top of mind.
Some of the debate Monday hinged on just how big any wage increases would be. One scenario budgets 3% increases each year, another budgets 5% increases, and the third budgets a 5% increase in the first year and then 4% raises in subsequent years.
Improving academic outcomes and providing better behavioral support in classrooms also emerged as areas to target if a referendum is ultimately approved by voters.
The options on the table after last night’s meeting fall in an estimated cost range of $38 million to $40 million spread out over three years.
The discussion will continue during a board meeting Tuesday night and then the board expects to vote on a final question Thursday afternoon.
The deadline for final referendum approval is Jan. 21.
