2024 Referenda
On Monday, June 24, 2024, the Madison Metropolitan School District’s Board of Education voted unanimously to approve two referendum questions, one for facilities and one for operations, that appeared on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Question 1 was an Operations levy and Question 2 was for Facilities bonds. In general levies are for learning (curricula, staffing, programs, security and safety, activities, student support services, school improvements) and bonds are for buildings (new construction and replacement schools).
Voters overwhelmingly supported both referenda on the November 5 ballot. The results show that our community continues to be committed to investing in our students. Our focus, as always, is centered on our students, staff and families. We have important work ahead of us and look forward to engaging with the community to make Madison a destination school district.
These referenda aren't just about sustaining; it's about thriving. It's about continuing to create environments where teachers flourish and students excel.
Voters approved the $100 Operational Referendum with an 69% in favor, ensuring vital investments staff and student programs.
Operational Referendum:
$100 Million over 4 years
Originally, MMSD had estimated that passage of the operations referendum would have a property tax impact of $26 per month for the average home owner. On October 15, DPI certified the general school aid MMSD will receive for the 2024-25 school year. Due to this, property taxes will be reduced this school year. The property tax bill on the average Madison home is now estimated at $3.38 per month this year on the average Madison home valued at $457,300. This base building revenue begins with $30 million in year 1, $30 million in year 2, $20 million in year 3 and $20 million in year 4. At the end of 4 years in 2027-28, this fully annualized estimate is anticipated to be $87 per month. However, that number is only an estimate and will change based on actual state aid received.
*Estimated tax assumptions are based on current home values.
Operational Referendum
Why it matters:
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The investment contributes to a community’s economic viability, including strong property values and livability.
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Investing in early learning, a foundational pillar upon which many of our equity projects are built, benefits our future by instilling a lifelong love of learning and increasing our students’ chances of success throughout their educational careers.
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Attraction and retention of world-class educators are essential to our students’ academic success and benefits youth in the classroom, helping prepare them for success by providing the support and guidance they need to succeed.
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Supporting our students and families benefits the whole community and helps ensure access to behavioral and mental health services that students and families may not otherwise be able to receive.
This referendum isn't just about sustaining; it's about thriving. It's about continuing to create environments where teachers flourish and students excel.
The competitive landscape of education demands that we attract and retain the brightest minds dedicated to shaping our students' futures.
The proposed operational referendum totaling $100 million over four years is equipping our teachers to inspire and educate. This referendum will enable MMSD to offer competitive salaries and benefits, including tackling the escalating costs of healthcare premiums that have outpaced standard increases.
Beyond sustaining our current standards, this funding will empower MMSD to invest in vital educational initiatives:
- Continue investing in 4K and early learning programs, ensuring every child receives a strong foundation.
- Multilingual education will be bolstered, embracing diversity and preparing our students for a globalized world.
- Additionally, we will enrich middle school opportunities in career exploration and fostering well-rounded development through expanded extracurricular activities and learning opportunities.
Voters approved the $507 Facilities Referendum with 72% in favor, ensuring vital infrastructure improvements to 10 school buildings.
Facility Referendum:
$507 Million over 23 years
The estimated financial impact of this $507 million ask is $27* per month for 23 years for the average Madison home valued at $457,300. The first tax impact would occur in the fall of 2025 when the first project would begin.
*Estimated tax assumptions are based on current home values.
Facilities Referendum
Why it matters:
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MMSD faces the challenge of aging infrastructure. Twenty-six of our school buildings are more than 60-years old, and 40 of them received grades of C or D.
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Our school buildings are not just structures. They are the spaces where our students learn, grow and become inspired. Schools are the heart of our communities.
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From ensuring proper heating, cooling, and plumbing to enhancing accessibility and safety, these improvements directly impact the learning environment and well-being of our students and staff.
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There is a connection between updated facilities and high-quality teaching and learning.
The Facilities Referendum is about equipping our students with the tools and spaces they need to thrive. It's about preparing them to be future-ready and successful in an ever-evolving world. By investing in our middle school buildings, we're investing in the potential of every student and our community.
Building on the success of our 2020 referendum, which transformed our high schools into modern, 21st-century learning hubs, we are now embarking on the next phase of our journey: revitalizing our middle and elementary schools.
Our focus is clear: addressing critical needs in aging buildings, with 26 facilities over 60 years old, far beyond their intended lifespan. This initiative is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about creating safe, inspiring environments where learning can flourish.
We have seen the profound impact of modern facilities on our high school students, who now have access to cutting-edge technology, STEM labs, and collaborative spaces that prepare them for success in future careers. Now, it's time to extend these opportunities to our middle and elementary schools.Imagine updated classrooms equipped with the latest educational tools, ensuring that every student has access to a quality learning experience. Picture renovated libraries, where knowledge knows no bounds, and cafeterias and shared spaces that foster a sense of community and belonging.
Tax Impact Calculator
Learn More About Public School Funding
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is at a pivotal transition time. Over the past 12 years, MMSD has navigated fiscal challenges stemming from inadequate state resources for public education. As we continue to embark on a journey to transform instruction and enhance school climate, we’re facing ongoing disruptive cuts from the state.
MMSD faces an anticipated budget shortfall beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. Had state funding kept pace with inflation, MMSD would have received over $20.8 million in vital support for the 2023-24 academic year. Yet, we grapple with the financial strain as healthcare costs escalate for our more than 6,000 employees and we work to retain top-tier educators – all while providing an exceptional educational experience for over 25,000 students.
One of the ways MMSD continues to focus on high-quality education is through investments in literacy instruction. Grounded in the science of reading, the district has prioritized teacher professional development and curriculum resources to improve students’ academic outcomes.
MMSD also remains steadfast in investing in early learning opportunities, including funding full-day four-year-old (4K) kindergarten. State formulas discount the funding of 4K learners, counting students as “half” a child and only providing funding to support their education at 50 percent, leaving school districts to cover the other 50 percent from their general fund.
State funding inadequacies extend to special education. Public schools are required to provide these important services to the students who need them, however, the state covers only 31 percent of these costs. This left MMSD with a $66.4 million gap in 2023-2024, which needed to be covered by MMSD's general fund.
Meanwhile, record increases to private and independent charter schools by the state government add to financial challenges to public schools. MMSD is required by state law to allocate nearly $11 million of public tax dollars to support private and independent charter schools.
MMSD is not alone in this struggle. Across Wisconsin, public schools face budgetary concerns due to insufficient state funding. Public schools operate under a revenue limit formula, designed by the state government. These limits dictate the amount of state aid and local taxes a school district receives each year to operate. Over the past decade, the revenue limit has become increasingly restrictive. With little or no annual revenue growth to meet the rising cost of inflation and student needs, school districts must turn to cuts in personnel, programs, and services, or ask taxpayers for authority to increase the revenue limit through a referendum.
The April 2024 ballot saw 92 school referendums state-wide, including four in Dane County, with 66 percent earmarked for operational expenses.
Despite these challenges, MMSD believes in a responsible approach to budget development. Each year, the district focuses on teaching and learning priorities, finding efficiencies and repurposing funds. But even with this smart approach, over time, state cuts and restrictive limits will take a dangerous toll on our community’s public schools.
Over the last decade, State Revenue Limits have not kept pace with inflation causing $20.8 Million revenue gap in 2023-24 alone.
4K students only count as a half-person for state aids per state law. In MMSD, we cover those critical early learning expenses so students can attend 4K classes for the full day.
A 31% State Special Education reimbursement results in $66.4
million MMSD funding gap this year alone. Statewide a $1.5 billion annual State Special Education funding gap.
7 Sites (10 Schools) included in the 2024 Referenda
Key priority areas to ensure college, career, and community readiness
Early Learning
Thanks to the 2020 operating referendum, MMSD has been able to continue to increase four-year-old kindergarten (4K) throughout the district. For the 2023-2024 school year, 27 MMSD schools offer half or full-day 4K programs. For full-day programs, nearly 66% of learners are students of color. In the 2024-2025 school year, we will begin to offer 4K dual-language immersion programming.
MMSD has been making ongoing and sustained investments in early literacy to improve student outcomes. We are continuing to invest in teacher and staff professional development around reading fundamentals and how to teach reading.
Multilingual Education
Multilingual education is also an important priority at MMSD. Twenty-seven percent of students are English language learners. Across our district, 21 schools offer Dual-Language Immersion. MMSD also offers Advanced Placement language courses and the Seal of Biliteracy.
As part of our 2020 Referendum, middle school students now experience daily world language. With globalization and increasing cultural diversity, being bilingual or multilingual opens doors to enhanced communication, cultural understanding, and broader career opportunities.
Well Rounded Opportunities
Well-rounded opportunities foster creativity within arts and music, providing purposeful engagement with in-depth, varied content knowledge. This ensures students are ready for post-secondary education and opportunities across industries, disciplines, and careers.
Well-rounded opportunities must allow for collaborative learning and exploration, requiring facilities that align to 21st century learning to promote deeper learning. Expansion of programs, updated facilities, and partnerships with Madison College have allowed 61% of students to graduate with some college credit.
Additionally, MMSD students took more than 3,000 Advanced Placement tests in 2023. And 54% of our students participate in co-curricular activities. Our district is continuing to expand opportunities that exist at the high school level to middle school.
Culture & Climate
Our teachers and staff work to create thriving school cultures and positive learning environments. Part of this is ensuring inclusive spaces so all of our students feel welcomed and supported at school. For example, the district invested $4.3 million to upgrade accessibility and inclusivity at 33 school playgrounds.
We have also worked to renovate and build private spaces for students’ health and well-being needs. We want our students to be able to be their best selves at school. The MMSD School-Based Mental Health and Well-Being team supports students, families, and school staff at every stage of their educational journey. MMSD has therapists at the four comprehensive high schools as well school-based health centers at 16 middle and elementary schools.
Thank you, Madison voters, for supporting our students, our community, and public education this Election Day. We are very grateful to you.
Aeronautical engineer-turned-middle school teacher, Jesus Cortez uses his love for problem solving to empower students in his special education math class by building their confidence in math and themselves.
Though MMSD is set to receive an increase in its amount of state general aid, those funds do not lessen or eliminate the need for an operations referendum.
Dr. André Small, a business education teacher at East High School, shares his extensive career experience to engage students in personal finance and career exploration, preparing them for life beyond high school.
Pam Ziemlewicz, math teacher at Toki Middle School, creates a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment that helps students succeed academically, emotionally and socially.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released its estimates of general school aid for the 2024–25 school year, earmarking a projected $51.4 million for MMSD. Though $1.4 million more than anticipated, that aid is short of what's necessary to fully fund things like curriculum, classroom supplies and staff wages.
Margaret Jenks has performed at Carnegie Hall, conducts for the Madison Youths Symphony and coaches music teachers across the country. She recently earned a residency with opera soprano Kiena Williams to create an impactful experience for Hamilton middle schoolers.
Twenty teachers and staff members from MMSD have been selected to join a new leadership preparation program with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, thanks to funding from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Fast Forward Industry Sectors Worker Training grant program.
Students like Vel Phillips Memorial High School senior Guadalupe Perez are ready for a future career in the automotive industry, thanks to hands-on learning and a youth apprenticeship.
In celebration of Better World Day, students at Leopold Elementary took the lead in promoting literacy and spreading joy through storytelling.
West High School “Amigos” foster meaningful interactions with Spanish dual language learners at Midvale Elementary. These young learners improve their Spanish proficiency by working with new, older friends.
Results from a poll commissioned by the Madison Public Schools Foundation, and the district's Long Range Facilities Plan were shared at a May 6, 2024 special meeting with the Board of Education.
Students received hands-on experience from mentors in architecture, construction, and engineering fields through site visits, guest speakers, and a final design project.
Multiple roles work within MMSD’s Office of Multilingual Programs and Services to support the district’s growing multilingual education offerings.
In the Madison Metropolitan School District, bilingual programs are offered in 23 schools. Bilingual education opens doors to enhanced communication, cultural understanding, and broader career opportunities.
Middle school students can participate in cross country, wrestling, volleyball, cheerleading, and pom/dance at their future high school.
To inform the two referenda questions for the community to vote on in November 2024, MMSD held twelve input sessions, which include targeted, informational and community-wide engagement opportunities:
- 10 city-wide input sessions
- February/March Budget and Facility Priority Meetings (recording of presentation)
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May - La Follette attendance area (recording of presentation)
- September - East Madison Community Center View the Presentation
- September - Goodman Community View the Presentation
- September - Badger Rock Neighborhood Center View the Presentation
- September - Elver Park Neighborhood Center View the Presentation
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3 Superintendent Advisory Group Meetings
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1 Community Leaders Think Tank
4,000+ responses from MMSD families, students, staff and community members.
Community feedback survey Report Community Leader Think Tank Report
Operations Referendum
- What is the actual wording of the operations referendum ballot question?
- What is the purpose of the operations referendum?
- Are employee wages tied to the referendum?
- What will be the tax impact associated with the passage of the operations referendum?
- Why is the operations referendum structured in the way that it is?
- One of the District's stated goals of the operations question is the "attraction and retention of world-class educators" ... how will this referendum help that?
- Would the additional 2.06% wage increase apply to all staff, or teachers only?
- Will the operations referendum support the whole district or only specific schools?
- Does the Board have the authority to exceed the amounts specified in the operations question in any given year?
- Of MMSD's 4K sites, how many are full-day vs. half-day?
What is the actual wording of the operations referendum ballot question?
What is the purpose of the operations referendum?
Are employee wages tied to the referendum?
What will be the tax impact associated with the passage of the operations referendum?
Why is the operations referendum structured in the way that it is?
One of the District's stated goals of the operations question is the "attraction and retention of world-class educators" ... how will this referendum help that?
Would the additional 2.06% wage increase apply to all staff, or teachers only?
Will the operations referendum support the whole district or only specific schools?
Does the Board have the authority to exceed the amounts specified in the operations question in any given year?
Of MMSD's 4K sites, how many are full-day vs. half-day?
Facilities Referendum
- What is the actual wording of the facilities referendum ballot question?
- Why does the facilities referendum focus on elementary and middle schools?
- Doesn't the district have an operating budget for facility improvement?
- How were decisions regarding whether to renovate or replace made?
- How were the schools chosen for replacement and renovation?
- How many school sites are planned to be worked on each year?
- What is the construction timeline?
- Why are new/renovated schools necessary?
- Given the number of schools with “C” building grades, will there be repeated capital referendums on the ballot over the next several years?
- How will MMSD ensure that community resources are spent equitably, including among diverse contractors and workers?
- Would schools operating at less than capacity be considered for closure or consolidation?
- How will teacher and staff input be collected and incorporated in the designs of the new buildings?
- How will the district ensure smooth transitions to the new buildings, once they're ready?
- Why have school boundaries not been addressed in decades to improve attendance in underutilized buildings?
- Why did MMSD expand some of its least-diverse schools (Van Hise/Hamilton) with the 2015 referendum, rather than use discretion in nearby buildings?
- Will the new spaces be available for rental?
- How many schools have updated, monitored and controlled entrances?
- Why do the numbers detailed in the Facilities Condition Assessment not match those in the July 6 BOE memo & facilities question?
- When do the tax increases stop?
What is the actual wording of the facilities referendum ballot question?
Why does the facilities referendum focus on elementary and middle schools?
Doesn't the district have an operating budget for facility improvement?
How were decisions regarding whether to renovate or replace made?
How were the schools chosen for replacement and renovation?
How many school sites are planned to be worked on each year?
What is the construction timeline?
Why are new/renovated schools necessary?
Given the number of schools with “C” building grades, will there be repeated capital referendums on the ballot over the next several years?
How will MMSD ensure that community resources are spent equitably, including among diverse contractors and workers?
Would schools operating at less than capacity be considered for closure or consolidation?
How will teacher and staff input be collected and incorporated in the designs of the new buildings?
How will the district ensure smooth transitions to the new buildings, once they're ready?
Why have school boundaries not been addressed in decades to improve attendance in underutilized buildings?
Why did MMSD expand some of its least-diverse schools (Van Hise/Hamilton) with the 2015 referendum, rather than use discretion in nearby buildings?
Will the new spaces be available for rental?
How many schools have updated, monitored and controlled entrances?
Why do the numbers detailed in the Facilities Condition Assessment not match those in the July 6 BOE memo & facilities question?
When do the tax increases stop?
General
- Why is a referendum necessary?
- Why are there two referendum questions?
- How much funding is the district seeking in these referendums?
- How do the operations and facilities referendums work together?
- Are these referendum questions at all related to the one that the City of Madison plans to put on the November ballot?
- Will the district have to go to referendum every time it needs money?
- How do these referendums benefit people who don’t have children in MMSD?
- Are enrollment and school capacity being considered along with consolidation?
- How do vouchers and charter schools impact MMSD?
- Does MMSD get shortchanged by the state in terms of funding?
- How have state funding levels changed since 2000?
- Has MMSD paid off the last referendum?
- What can Wisconsin residents do to break the constant cycle of referendums?
- What do projected enrollments look like?
- How many MMSD employees actually live in Madison?
- What percentage of MMSD staff do administrators comprise?
- Is the operations referendum permanent and the facilities referendum limited?
- Does the higher amount of state aid increase district funding?
- Does enrollment impact state aid?