Spring Election and Referendum Results

The whole nation watched as Wisconsin voters weighed in on the 2016 presidential election Tuesday. In both the Republican and Democratic primaries, Wisconsinites dealt losses to the party front-runners—favoring Cruz over Trump, 48%-35%, and Sanders over Clinton, 56%-43%.

In Tuesday’s other statewide race, Wisconsin voters elected Rebecca Bradley to a 10-year term on the State Supreme Court. Bradley, who was appointed by Governor Walker to the high court in December, beat challenger JoAnne Kloppenberg, 52%-48%.

There were numerous local elections for school and county board seats held throughout the state as well. Most notably, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele easily fended off a challenge from State Senator Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee), 56%-44%.

Voters approved $630.6 million in school referendum requests; 55 of the 71 school referendums held on Tuesday were approved. 
 

SCHOOL REFERENDUM RESULTS From the Wheeler Report 

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District Name	Total Amount Type	Brief Description
Albany Passed	$1,200,000.00 RR - 2016	Recurring referendum 2016-17 $800,000; 2017-18 $200,000; 2018-19 $200,000
Algoma Passed	$4,860,000.00 Issue Debt	Renovations, improvements and additions to the elementary school; high school restroom renovations; parking lot improvements at each school building; and equipment acquisition related to said projects.
Antigo Failed	$25,900,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue Debt in an amount not to exceed $25,900,000 to build an new elementary school and additions and remodeling at the remaining two elementary schools.
Argyle Passed	$6,500,000.00 Issue Debt	General obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school improvement program at District buildings and grounds consisting of:  HVAC upgrades and improvements; roof and flooring repairs and replacement; additions for technical education classroom and shop space, new storage and office space and a new maintenance and storage garage; remodeling and renovations to classroom space, the Elementary School gymnasium and locker rooms; and acquiring furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Argyle Passed	$2,600,000.00 Issue Debt	General obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,600,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of constructing a new High School gymnasium, restrooms, office and storage space.
Ashland Passed	$34,360,000.00 Issue Debt	BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of the School District of Ashland, Ashland and Bayfield Counties, Wisconsin that there shall be issued pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $34,360,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and improvement program at all District facilities and grounds consisting of: additions for classrooms and learning space; remodeling and modernization of facilities; energy efficiency and management system upgrades; technology, safety and security improvements, including secure main entrances; construction of a new fieldhouse; parking and site improvements; and acquiring furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Auburndale Passed	$500,000.00 RR - 2017	Shall the School District of Auburndale be allowed to exceed the revenue limit specified in § 121.91, Wis. Stats., by up to $500,000 commencing with the 2017-2018 school year on a recurring basis; by up to an additional $200,000 in the 2018-2019 school year on a non-recurring basis, making a total of $700,000; by up to an additional $300,000 in the 2019-2020 school year on a non-recurring basis, making a total of $800,000; and by up to an additional $400,000 in the 2020-2021 school year on a non-recurring basis, making a total of $900,000, all for the purpose of maintaining current levels of educational programming, expenditures and operations?
Auburndale Passed	$900,000.00 NR - 2018	Shall the School District of Auburndale be allowed to exceed the revenue limit specified in § 121.91, Wis. Stats., by up to $500,000 commencing with the 2017-2018 school year on a recurring basis; by up to an additional $200,000 in the 2018-2019 school year on a non-recurring basis, making a total of $700,000; by up to an additional $300,000 in the 2019-2020 school year on a non-recurring basis, making a total of $800,000; and by up to an additional $400,000 in the 2020-2021 school year on a non-recurring basis, making a total of $900,000, all for the purpose of maintaining current levels of educational programming, expenditures and operations?
Barron Area Passed	$4,500,000.00 NR - 2017	Non-recurring referendum to exceed the revenue cap for five years 2017-18 through 2021-22 for the purpose of completing multiple necessary major maintenance projects and retaining high quality staff.
Bloomer Passed	$3,500,000.00 Issue Debt	$3,500,000.00 for constructing an addition on our Middle School for classroom space, a technical education and agricultural room, a computer lab, bathrooms and additional storage space; Middle School bathroom, kitchen and storage room remodeling; and acquiring furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Boscobel Failed	$20,000,000.00 Issue Debt	To pay the cost of a school building improvement program, consisting of constructing a building addition to the high school and making related improvements to combine all grades at one location, and acquire furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Boscobel Passed	$1,800,000.00 RR - 2016	To Exceed the revenue cap on a recurring basis for continuing and enhancing the educational programs of the District and maintaining the current level of District Operations
Brodhead Passed	$2,850,000.00 NR - 2016	To exceed the revenue limit by $950,000, on a non-recurring basis, for each of the 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, to be used to maintain facilities and programs, and for debt retirement.
Chilton Failed	$5,200,000.00 NR - 2016	educational programming
Cumberland Passed	$2,100,000.00 RR - 2016	Recurring purposes consisting of operating expenses and educational programming.
Darlington Community Failed	$2,200,000.00 RR - 2016	For recurring purposes consisting of maintained and enhanced educational programming beginning 2016-2017 and thereafter.
Dodgeville Passed	$19,995,000.00 Issue Debt	Borrowing amount not to exceed $19,995,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school improvement program consisting of district-wide infrastructure improvements; additions and remodeling at Dodgeville High School; and acquiring furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Ellsworth Community Passed	$31,900,000.00 Issue Debt	Constructing and equipping a new four year old kindergarten through grade 5 elementary school with administrative offices.
Gillett Failed	$3,800,000.00 NR - 2016	Non recurring referendum to exceed revenue limit by $950,000 for 4 years
Goodman-Armstrong Passed	$1,650,000.00 NR - 2016	Exceed revenue cap by $550,000 for three years
Grafton Failed	$47,000,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue GO Bonds not to exceed $47,700,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of additions, remodeling, renovations and upgrades to all District buildings including constructing a new middle school facility and new technical education center adjacent to the high school, converting the existing middle school to an elementary school facility, upgrades and additions to the Woodview and Kennedy Elementary Schools and Grafton High School and equipment acquisition related to the project.
Grafton Failed	$1,800,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue bonds not to exceed $1,800,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of improvements and repairs to outdoor physical education, athletic and community recreation areas and equipment acquisition related to the project.
Green Lake Passed	$2,400,000.00 NR - 2016
Greenwood Passed	$3,850,000.00 NR - 2016	For non-recurring purposes to maintain academic, co-curricular and athletic programs for students, upgrade technology education equipment, and continued maintenance of district facilities.
Gresham Failed	$6,000,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue debt to replace high school section of facility, raze the current high school, construct additional academic and administrative space in location of razed portion of building, and renovations to remaining facilities and parking improvements.
Gresham Failed	$3,200,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue debt for the purpose of expanding academic, athletic, and recreational space at the school including a new gymnasium and locker rooms, replacing soccer field and track and field areas, additional parking.
Hudson Passed	$74,300,000.00 Issue Debt	High School Additions, Renovations and Upgrades
Hudson Passed	$7,900,000.00 Issue Debt	Middle School Additions, Renovations and Upgrades
Hudson Passed	$8,200,000.00 Issue Debt	High School Multi-Use Athletic Facilities and High School Auditorium Renovations and Upgrades
Iowa-Grant Passed	$1,800,000.00 RR - 2016	To authorize the District to exceed the revenue cap on a recurring basis of $1,800,000 starting in the school year 2016-17 for District programs and operations including building and maintenance projects.
Juda Passed	$5,700,000.00 Issue Debt	General Obligation Bonds or Promissory Notes in an amount not to exceed $5,700,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of improvements, remodeling, renovations and repairs to the District’s buildings and grounds and equipment acquisition to address key areas of needs in facilities, safety/security, curriculum/instruction and technology.
Juda Passed	$150,000.00 RR - 2016	School district budget shall include an amount not to exceed $150,000 in excess of the revenue limits imposed by Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes each year beginning with the 2016-17 school year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operation costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs.
Lake Holcombe Passed	$2,025,000.00 NR - 2016	Exceed revenue caps by $675,000 for three years beginning with the 2016-17 school year through the 2018-19 school year for operational & maintenance expenses.
Lena Passed	$3,250,000.00 NR - 2016	Referendum to exceed the revenue limit for 5 years starting with the 2016-17 school year.
Medford Area Passed	$3,205,000.00 Issue Debt
Medford Area Passed	$975,000.00 Issue Debt
Menomonee Falls Passed	$32,700,000.00 Issue Debt	$32,700,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a district-wide facility improvement program
Menomonee Falls Failed	$3,750,000.00 RR - 2016	Exceed the revenue limit by $1,250,000 in the 2016-2017 school year and by an additional $1,250,000 a year in each of the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years for a total of $3,750,000 for the 2018-2019 school year and remain at $3,750,000 each year going forward, for recurring purposes consisting of safeguarding learning opportunities and sustaining class size.
Mishicot Passed	$10,000,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue GO bonds in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school improvement program at District buildings consisting of:  technology improvements, plumbing, HVAC and electrical infrastructure improvements; student instructional spaces, restroom, office, corridor, athletic space and kitchen renovations and remodeling; a locker room addition and renovations; door replacement; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Monona Grove Passed	$13,000,000.00 NR - 2016	Shall  the  Monona  Grove  School  District,  Dane  County,  Wisconsin  be authorized  to  exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes,  by up to $2,600,000 per year for a period of five years on a non-recurring  basis beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, and ending  with the 2020-2021  school  year, for the purpose of funding  School District operations, including,   but   not   limited   to,   costs   associated   with   curriculum,   technology,   personnel, maintenance, equipment purchases, and facility improvements.
Montello Passed	$3,600,000.00 NR - 2016	To maintain instructional programming.
Mosinee Failed	$44,970,000.00 Issue Debt	construction project as indicated.
Mosinee Failed	$383,000.00 Issue Debt	operating cost referendum
Mukwonago Passed	$49,500,000.00 Issue Debt	School building and improvement program at Mukwonago High School
Mukwonago Passed	$7,000,000.00 NR - 2017	Operational and maintenance expenses at Mukwonago High School
Muskego-Norway Passed	$43,180,000.00 Issue Debt	To build a new middle school on district-owned property and construct additions and renovations to other existing school buildings.
Nicolet UHS Passed	$18,900,000.00 NR - 2016	Resolution authorizing the Nicolet Unified High School District budget to exceed revenue limit by $3.15 million for six years for non-recurring purposes.
Oshkosh Area Passed	$28,000,000.00 NR - 2016	To Exceed the revenue cap on a non-recurring basis by $4,000,000 for 7 years.
Peshtigo Failed	$33,900,000.00 Issue Debt	Construct a new middle-high school and auditorium; demolish and remove existing middle-high school; develop surrounding green space; acquire furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Portage Community Passed	$13,000,000.00 NR - 2016	Operational Referendum
Prairie Du Chien Area Passed	$1,340,000.00 RR - 2016	Authorizing the School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit for Recurring Purposes
Prairie Du Chien Area Passed	$18,900,000.00 Issue Debt	AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $18,900,000
Richland Passed	$475,000.00 RR - 2016	Resolution Authorizing the School District Budget To Exceed Revenue Limit By $475,000 for Recurring Purposes
Richland Passed	$3,470,000.00 Issue Debt
Richland Passed	$5,260,000.00 Issue Debt
Rio Community Passed	$2,700,000.00 NR - 2016	Exceed Revenue Limit for Three Years for Operating Purposes
Solon Springs Passed	$500,000.00 RR - 2016	For the purpose of maintaining current educational programming, expenditures, and operations
Somerset Failed	$4,298,000.00 NR - 2016
Spencer Passed	$4,875,000.00 NR - 2016	Authorize School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit by $975,000 for five years for non-recurring purposes
Spring Valley Passed	$3,200,000.00 NR - 2016	REFERENDUM AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMITS BY $800,000 FOR FOUR YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES
Stratford Passed	$15,995,000.00 Issue Debt	School improvement program at the High School and Elementary School consisting of renovations, remodeling, infrastructure and capital maintenance improvements, a classroom addition, technology and security upgrades, asbestos abatement and site improvements; and acquiring furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Stratford Failed	$7,995,000.00 Issue Debt	Construct and equip an auditorium, gymnasium, lobby and restrooms.
Sturgeon Bay Passed	$6,850,000.00 NR - 2016
Superior Passed	$92,500,000.00 Issue Debt	Capital building referendum
Tomah Area Passed	$4,500,000.00 NR - 2016	RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT BY $1,5OO,OOO FOR THREE YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES
Waterford UHS Failed	$12,210,000.00 Issue Debt	FIELD HOUSE AND FITNESS CENTER CONSTRUCTION
West Salem Passed	$500,000.00 Issue Debt	Renovating and improving the District transportation facility; and acquiring related fixtures and equipment.
West Salem Passed	$1,000,000.00 Issue Debt	Renovating and improving the District swimming pool and pool house; and acquiring related fixtures, furnishings and equipment.
Westby Area Passed	$2,995,000.00 Issue Debt	Issue debt for paying for the cost of constructing and equipping a Performing Arts Center.
Winneconne Community Passed	$12,500,000.00 Issue Debt	paying the cost of a school building improvement program at the Winneconne High School - addition to and renovation of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) facilities and construction of related improvements; addition of an auditorium; acquiring furniture, fixtures & equipment.
Winneconne Community Passed	$1,200,000.00 NR - 2017	for purposes of paying operation and maintenance expenses relating to facilities for the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) programs and the auditorium at Winneconne High School

Happy School Library Month!

April is National School Library Month! The 2016 theme is School Libraries Transform Learning. 

In addition, Governor Walker has proclaimed April 2016 as School Library Month in Wisconsin. You can view a copy of his proclamation here. 

The American Association of School Librarians has some great resources to help schools celebrate. 

End of Session Wrap Up

The Senate held their final floor vote of the 2015-16 legislative session on Tuesday while the Assembly held their final vote on February 18.  While it is possible that either house could return to tie up loose ends, it appears unlikely at this time.  With both houses finished for the session, that means any legislation that didn’t make it to the Governor’s desk this week is considered “dead”  and will need to be re-introduced next session.  The 2017-18 session will begin in January 2017.

Here is a summary of what happened to legislation that was of interest to WEMTA this session:

Bills that Were Signed into Law

Deleting the State Treasurer from the Constitution (Rep. Schraa and Sen. Gudex): Assembly Joint Resolution 5 does not need to be signed into law, but it’s passage this session is significant since it marks an important first step in officially deleting the state treasurer from the constitution and replacing the treasurer with the lieutenant governor on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands. The resolution must be approved by both houses of the legislature again next session and then it can be voted on in a statewide referendum. Since it has now been passed by the Legislature once, it will likely be on the fast-track next session.

Unclaimed Savings Bonds into Common School Fund (Rep. Katsma and Sen. Marklein): Assembly Bill 721 was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, so it has not yet officially been signed into law but it is making its way to the Governor’s desk.  AB 721 allows the state to claim savings bonds that haven't been cashed in within 5 years. The money would go into the Common School Fund. A fiscal note released by the Department of Revenue said that the fiscal effect of the bill on the Common School Fund is indeterminate. However, they estimate that they currently have possession of $500,000 worth of savings bonds that they consider unclaimed property.

Exceptions to Gun Free School Zones (Rep. Kleefisch and Sen. Wanggaard): 2015 Wisconsin Act 23 creates an exception to the state’s gun free school zone’s law to for certain off-duty, retired or out-of-state police officers.

Federated Library Board Membership (Rep. Horlacher and Sen. Nass): 2015 Wisconsin Act 99 reduces the minimum board membership of a federated public library system that has territory in two or more counties from 15 members to 11 members.

Delinquent Library Accounts (Rep. VanderMeer and Sen. Harsdorf): 2015 Wisconsin Act 169 allows a public library to provide a collections agency or law enforcement agency with  information about patrons who have delinquent accounts.  Under the bill, a delinquent account must total $50 before it can be referred to law enforcement.

School Safety Pilot Program (Rep. Skowronski and Sen. Lazich): 2015 Wisconsin Act 228 requires DPI to develop a one-year pilot tracking program to operate in three school districts during the 2016-17 school year. The three school districts must include: (1) a school district with fewer than 3,000 pupils; (2) a school district with 3,000 to 6,999 pupils; and (3) a school district with 7,000 pupils or more. Participating school districts will keep track of crimes, harassment, bullying and other violations of the law that take place on school property and report them to DPI.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness for Rural Schools (Rep. Quinn and Sen. Darling): Assembly Bill 793 was passed by the Senate on Tuesday so it has not yet been signed into law, but it is making its way to the Governor’s desk. AB 793 extends the teacher loan forgiveness program to teachers who take positions in rural counties. Currently, the program only applies to Milwaukee.

Bills that Did Not Pass This Session 

BCPL Land Bank Authority (Rep. Sanfelippo): Assembly Bill 71 would have eliminated the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands’ authority to purchase land. Although this may not have directly impacted the Common School Fund, it would have affected other funds that the BCPL manages. No action was taken on this bill this session.

Making Superintendent Political Appointee (Rep. Sanfelippo): Assembly Joint Resolution 84 would have made the state superintendent a political appointee instead of an elected official.

Under AJR 84, the governor would nominate a state superintendent and the state senate would approve the appointment. No action was taken on AJR 84 this session.

Broadband Expansion Grant Eligibility (Rep. Billings and Sen. Bewley): Assembly Bill 63 / Senate Bill 33 would have made school districts, technical college districts and public libraries eligible to receive broadband expansion grants. No action was taken on these bills this session.

Increase Broadband Grant Funding (Rep. Quinn and Sen. Tiffany): Assembly Bill 798 / Senate Bill 674  would have increased funding for broadband expansion grants from $6 million to $10 million. It would also would have allowed PSC to issue the entire $10 million appropriation in 2015-16 and 2016-17. A public hearing was held on the Assembly version of the bill, but no further action was taken on either proposal.

Forfeitures into Common School Fund (Rep. Tauchen and Sen. Nass): Assembly Bill 537 / Senate Bill 521 would have updated the state’s forfeiture law so that all proceeds from the sale of forfeited assets would go into the common school fund, however, the bill did narrow the circumstances under which the state could keep assets that were forfeited in relation to a crime. A public hearing was held on the Assembly and Senate versions of the bill but no additional action was taken.

STEM Grants for Schools (Rep. Tranel and Sen. Tiffany): Assembly Bill 799 / Senate Bill 661 would have created a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) grant program for rural schools. AB 799 would provide grants between $3,000 and $20,000 to schools with less than 1,000 students to establish, maintain, and expand educational programming related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. AB 799 was approved by the Assembly Committee on Mining and Rural Development, but no further action was taken on either proposal this session.

Referendum Prohibitions (Rep. Schraa and Sen. Strobel): Assembly Bill 481 / Senate Bill 355 would have prohibited a school district from holding a referendum for two years following a failed referendum. The proposal applied to loans and bonds, revenue limit adjustments, state trust fund loans issued by BCPL, temporary borrowing, and promissory notes. School districts that experience a natural disaster would have been exempt from the ban for six months following the disaster. In addition, the proposal would have only allowed a school district to schedule a referendum on the April spring election day or the November general election day.  A public hearing was held on both versions of this bill, but no further action was taken this session.

WRS Retirement Age (Rep. Sanfelippo and Sen. Strobel): Assembly Bill 397 / Senate Bill 329 would have increased the minimum WRS retirement age to 57. The minimum retirement age for protective occupations would have been increased to 52. No action was taken on these bills this session.

School Cyberbullying (Rep. Kahl and Sen. Ringhand): Assembly Bill 496 / Senate Bill 473 would have required DPI’s model policy to include a definition of cyberbullying and an appropriate response to bullying that occurs off school grounds.  It would have also required school district employees to refer bullying incidents that violate the law to law enforcement. No action was taken on these bills this session.

Senate Holds Final Floor Vote of the Session

The State Senate met for the last time this session on Tuesday. Several of the bills they passed may be of interest to WEMTA. They include:

Unclaimed Savings Bonds into Common School Fund: The Senate voted unanimously to pass Assembly Bill 721, which would allow the state to claim savings bonds that haven't been cashed in within 5 years. The money would go into the Common School Fund. A fiscal note released by the Department of Revenue said that the fiscal effect of the bill on the Common School Fund is indeterminate. However, they estimate that they currently have possession of $500,000 worth of savings bonds that they consider unclaimed property. AB 721 now goes to the Governor for his signature.

Teacher Loan Program: The Senate voted  31-1 to pass Assembly Bill 793, which would extend the teacher loan forgiveness program to students who take jobs in rural counties. Currently, students studying to become teachers can receive up to $10,000 a year for three years from the Higher Education Aids Board (HEAB). Under the loan forgiveness program, HEAB forgives 25% of the loan for every year the student works in Milwaukee as a full-time teacher in a high-demand field and receives a teacher rating of proficient or distinguished. AB 793 now goes to the Governor for his signature.

Tribal College Libraries:  The Senate voted unanimously to pass Assembly Bill 704, which allows a tribal college-county joint library to participate in a public

library system. AB 704 now goes to the Governor for his signature.