Superintendent: November referendum would replace $24.9 million that sunsets; failure would force deep cuts

Superintendent Minogue told the committee the district’s 2022 operational referendum will sunset at the end of the school year, removing roughly $24,900,000 from the district’s budget — about 21% of operating funds. She said the board placed a renewal question on the November ballot that initially replaces the current amount and then steps up in years two through four to account for inflation.

Minogue said the district used a May community survey to shape the ballot question after tests of higher-dollar options failed to show public support. She emphasized a commitment to fiscal restraint: “The board has supported $5,000,000 worth of cuts in our budget over the next 4 years,” staff said, and the administration will pursue efficiencies regardless of the referendum outcome. “If this referendum fails, it would be catastrophic, for our school district,” Minogue said, warning of wage freezes, eliminated positions and deferred maintenance if the revenue disappears.

Board members and staff framed the November ask as a replacement, not a new tax in year one; Minogue said the first year of the replacement would create “0 additional tax impact for our community members,” with later years adding an inflationary increase if approved. The district also plans community engagement events and online resources for taxpayers to review the proposal and the district’s financial picture.

Next steps: the district and board will continue outreach through scheduled community meetings leading up to the November election.