| By Big Radio News Staff |
It’s official: School District of Beloit residents will vote on an operational referendum question for the third consecutive year.
The ask this time around will be $40.2 million over the next three school years to cover operational costs.
Ballot placement passed the school board by a 6-1 vote Thursday night.
Before voting, board Vice President Brian Nichols said he wouldn’t vote for the $40.2 million question, citing strong opposition to it he heard from constituents.
He then suggested considering a one-year referendum to show the district can deliver results.
Board member Megan Miller said the board has heard consistently during feedback sessions that the proposal is what the district needs to address its students’ needs. Board member Gregg Schneider said it’ll take more than one year to see the fruits of an operational referendum.
District voters rejected a two-year operational and a capital referendum in spring 2023, then voted down another operational referendum question in spring 2024.
The district says main priorities to address with the 2025 referendum would include staff compensation, academic improvement, and better behavioral support for staff and students.
