Lake Geneva Joint #1 Referendum

VOTE APRIL 1

Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District Operational Referendum

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, our community will vote on a proposed non-recurring referendum for the Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District.

If approved, the district will be able to increase its annual budget by $4 million each year for the next four school years, through the 2028-2029 school year.

This increase will help address the district's deficit and support safety and security improvements.

Please note that this $4 million increase applies only to each individual year — it does not accumulate, nor is it a permanent addition to the budget.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

If the operational referendum is not approved, the Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District will face a significant budget shortfall. To address this, the district may be forced to consider and implement a combination of, but not limited to, the following measures:

1. Abrupt Closure of an Elementary School

One of the three elementary schools will close beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
Grade levels and school boundaries will be reorganized, and students will be reassigned to the remaining two schools.
Families will lose the option of school choice within the district and must attend their designated home school to balance school sizes and capacities.

2. Staff Reductions Resulting in Larger Class Size

16-20 full-time positions (including teachers and essential staff) will be eliminated for the 2025-2026 School Year.
Class sizes will exceed the district’s target range, impacting individual attention and learning quality.

3. Reduced Opportunities for Students

Academic programs and extracurricular activities will be scaled back or eliminated.
In-town busing will be discontinued, increasing walking distances and bus ride times.
Families will face higher student fees.
A modified academic calendar will result in fewer instructional days, which will reduce the number of days students are in school learning.

4. Deferred Maintenance and Safety/Security

Repairs and updates to critical infrastructure (e.g., security cameras, doors, emergency communication (radios and phone systems)) will be delayed, increasing safety risks.

5. Increased Community Costs

Community fees for facility use will rise (youth groups/sports, community partners, etc.).
Reduced facility availability to save on operational costs.

Even with these cuts, the district’s financial stability will remain a challenge, deeply impacting the quality of education and community services. If this April 2025 referendum fails, the Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District will have to go back to the community for a future operational referendum.

INFORMATION SESSIONS

The Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District is hosting community information sessions to meet with the public about the upcoming April 1st Operational Referendum. The sessions are as follows:

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Coffee with the Superintendent

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

The Porch: 832 Geneva St, Unit 2, Lake Geneva

The casual setting of coffee with the Superintendent will allow for questions and conversation regarding the upcoming referendum and all things related to Lake Geneva Schools. There will be no formal referendum presentation. It's also a great time to meet other parents and community members.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Referendum Presentation at Symphony Bay

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Symphony Bay Clubhouse: 301 Harmony Dr, Lake Geneva

A brief presentation, followed by a question and answer opportunity.

Monday, March 3, 2025

Lake Geneva Committee of the Whole

6:00 p.m.

City Hall: 626 Geneva St, Lake Geneva

15 Minute Presentation

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Referendum Presentation at Central-Denison PTO Meeting

5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Central-Denison Elementary School: 900 Wisconsin St, Lake Geneva

A brief presentation, followed by a question and answer opportunity.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Referendum Presentation

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Lake Geneva Middle School: 600 N Bloomfield Rd, Lake Geneva, Large Group Room

A brief presentation, followed by a question and answer opportunity.

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Referendum Presentation at Bloomfield Town Hall

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Bloomfield Town Hall: N1100 Town Hall Rd, Pell Lake

A brief presentation, followed by a question and answer opportunity.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Coffee with the Superintendent

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Lake Geneva Schools District Office: 208 E South St, Lake Geneva

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Referendum Presentation - Como Community Church

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Como Community Church: W3901 Palmer Rd, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

A brief presentation, followed by a question and answer opportunity.

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Chat with the Superintendent

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Lake Geneva Public Library: 918 W Main St, Lake Geneva

The casual setting will allow for questions and conversations with the Superintendent regarding the upcoming referendum and all things related to Lake Geneva Schools. There will be no formal referendum presentation. It's also a great time to meet other parents and community members.

If you'd like to set up a presentation for your group, contact Tammy at 262-348-1000 or email info@badger.k12.wi.us

MORE RESOURCES

Visit our Website

Information Sheet

WI School Finance 101

For additional questions or information, please contact Dr. Peter Wilson, Superintendent of Lake Geneva Schools, at info@badger.k12.wi.us or call 262-348-1000.

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