Viroqua Area Schools
Election Day: November 3, 2026
OPERATIONAL REFERENDUM
Maintaining Excellence in VAS
The Viroqua Area Schools is a regional leader in providing exceptional educational experiences for students. Our district has long been a source of immense pride for our community.
However, like many school districts throughout Wisconsin, we face financial challenges stemming from an inadequate state education funding system, a lack of state aid to public schools in recent years, and rising costs due to inflation.
In fact, if revenues had kept pace with inflation since 2009, our district would have received roughly $3,500 more per student in the last school year. That would have been an additional $3.5 million in spending authority for VAS.
An operational referendum has long supported our district since voters originally approved a measure in 2004. In the more than two decades since, voters have approved similar measures four times, allowing us to maintain academic programs and services, keep class sizes small, and avoid significant staff reductions.
Proposed Solution
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, our community will vote on a non-recurring operational referendum question for Viroqua Area Schools. If the measure is approved, our district will be able to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $1.8 million annually over four years, beginning in 2027-28 and ending in 2030-31. This is an additional $500,000 over the current $1.3 million operational referendum.
Our priorities for these funds will be to:
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Address expected budget deficits
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Support educational programs and activities
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Retain quality teachers and staff
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Address minor facility maintenance and targeted improvements
With an approved operational referendum, VAS is projected to run a budget surplus in the first two years the referendum is in place. The School Board would consider spending the additional funds on targeted improvements, such as roof repairs at the district’s bus garage, examining boilers for replacement, and resurfacing the track and tennis courts. The district will prioritize those decisions later, with community input and feedback.
Budget deficits are expected in the final two years of the referendum, including nearly $36,000 in 2030-31. The board expects to set aside money during the first two years to alleviate that deficit.
Without a new operational referendum, the board and administration would need to explore further budget reductions that could cut staffing levels, academic programming, and extracurricular activities, while also delaying maintenance and equipment purchases.
Property Tax Impact
The expected mill rate for VAS would stand at $7.33 per $1,000 of fair market value in the first year, and fall to $7.00 by 2030-31.
The board and administration have taken steps to reduce spending, including $1.2 million for the 2026-27 budget. Most of these savings stem from staffing reductions, as the district opted not to fill various positions after retirements and resignations.
Making these cuts through attrition allowed for a continuity of programming and balancing class sizes where appropriate. The district’s budget is expected to run a surplus of about $122,000 in 2026-27 after a $264,000 projected deficit a year earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
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