FOND DU LAC - Voters within the Fond du Lac School District will see a new referendum question on ballots April 1.

At a Dec. 16 special meeting, Fond du Lac School District Board of Education approved the referendum question, which will ask voters to authorize exceeding the revenue limit by $10 million per year for four years, according to a news release from the district.

This would start from the 2025-26 school year through the 2028-29 school year, funding maintenance expenses and security upgrades in the district, as well as allowing the district to maintain operations.

The wording on the ballot will read as follows: "Shall the Fond du Lac School District, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $10,000,000 per year for four years, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and ending with the 2028-2029 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of maintaining operations, maintenance expenses and providing for security upgrades in the District?"

Why does the school district need the funds?

According to the news release, the district faces an increase in student needs, but a decrease in state funding.

One of the needs listed in the referendum question is security upgrades, as the district hopes to invest in districtwide improvements in safety and security.

Board members and district administrators worked with financial consultants and security experts to create a plan addressing both current and future needs.

When was the last referendum?

The last referendum for the school district was approved by voters in 2019, allowing for $98.5 million in districtwide improvements in three construction phases over the next few years.

The upgrades included roof, window and exterior door replacements; heating, ventilation, electrical and plumbing updates; and adding air conditioning to the schools that didn't already have it.

Where can I get more information?

The district will have more information as the election gets closer, available at fonddulac.k12.wi.us and on the Fond du Lac School District Facebook page.

Additionally, residents within the district will receive more information through the mail.

Questions about the referendum can be directed to [email protected] or the district office's phone number, 920-929-2900.