CLINTONVILLE, WI – Voters in the Clintonville Public School District have approved an operational referendum, allowing the district to exceed the state revenue limit by $1.95 million per year for five years. With all 18 precincts reporting, the referendum passed with 1,277 yes votes to 826 no votes. Superintendent Troy Kuhn says he’s encouraged by the outcome, noting, “I’m pleased that the referendum passed, it’s about the kids, offering them a quality education and quality programs.”
The approved measure will take effect beginning with the 2026–27 school year and run through the 2030–31 school year, with funding designated for non-recurring operational expenses. District officials have emphasized that the referendum is aimed at maintaining day-to-day operations while improving student outcomes across the district. Kuhn says while the passage provides critical support, the work is far from over as administrators begin evaluating which programs can be sustained and where tough decisions may still need to be made.
With the referendum now in place, the district projects a reduction in local school taxes, while also anticipating an increase in state aid. Officials say that state aid dollars that might otherwise go to other districts will instead remain in Clintonville, helping to offset the need for higher local taxes and providing greater financial stability through at least 2030.
Kuhn also pointed out that Clintonville’s situation differs from other nearby districts where referendums failed, including Gillett, Lena, and Iola-Scandinavia. He says, “rural school districts that don’t have economic booming subdivisions are always struggling for funding,” adding that Clintonville’s approach was designed differently.
District leaders say the additional funding will support several key priorities, including investing in classroom supplies and curriculum, upgrading technology and safety systems, and establishing a maintenance fund for preventative upkeep and future repairs. Kuhn explained the referendum allows the district to reduce debt pressures while shifting more funding into day-to-day operations, creating a more sustainable path forward.
In addition, officials say the funding will allow the district to provide targeted support for struggling learners and protect classroom instruction designed to drive academic growth for all students. The district also hopes the continued investment in quality programming will help attract families and businesses to the Clintonville area.
The referendum’s passage comes after months of community discussion about the district’s financial outlook and the potential impact on programs and services. With voter approval secured, district leaders say they can now move forward with greater certainty as they plan for the coming school years.
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