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Spring Election Snapshot: School Referenda and What It Means for Wisconsin
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | April 7, 2026
Today, Wisconsinites head to the polls to cast their votes in several important races, including a State Supreme Court contest that, notably, has drawn far less spending and media attention than last year’s high-profile election. While statewide races often dominate headlines, there is significant activity at the local level that will have a direct impact on schools and communities across Wisconsin.
Voters in 72 school districts will weigh in on 74 school district referenda questions.
- 12 are for borrowing (capital projects)
- 6 are recurring operational referenda
- 56 are non-recurring referenda to exceed the revenue limit
These questions reflect the ongoing challenges districts face in maintaining programs, staffing, and facilities within Wisconsin’s current school finance structure. This spring marks a decline in the number of referenda questions compared to recent years, but the number remains historically significant:
- April 2025: 89 questions in 81 districts
- April 2024: 93 questions in 86 districts
- April 2022: 80 questions in 70 districts
School districts are increasingly turning to local voters to fund essential operations. Whether to maintain educational programming, address rising costs, or invest in infrastructure, these referenda highlight the growing reliance on local solutions in the absence of sufficient and predictable state funding. Each referendum reflects the unique needs of a community, but collectively, they tell a broader story about the pressures facing Wisconsin schools. As results come in, they will not only shape local district budgets but also contribute to the ongoing statewide conversation about the needs of our students and schools.
Stay tuned for a full breakdown of results and trends following today’s election.
Referendum results will be available on DPI’s website as they are reported. SAA will also provide a complete statewide summary once all results are finalized.
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