Gilmanton board places $475,000-per-year referendum on April 7 ballot

The School District of Gilmanton Board of Education voted 5-0 on Jan. 19 to place a referendum on the April 7, 2026 ballot asking voters to allow the district to exceed the state revenue limit by up to $475,000 annually.

Board member Tammi Olson moved the resolution and Jeremiah Bauer seconded it after trustees reviewed updated financial models. The ballot language the board approved reads: “Shall the School District of Gilmanton be allowed to exceed the revenue limit specified in 121.91 Wis. Stats., by up to $475,000 per year commencing with the 2026-2027 school year and continue on a recurring basis for the purpose of sustaining educational programming, facilities and equipment.” The motion carried 5-0.

The board discussed multiple referendum options during its review of financial projections before making the motion. No specific allocation breakdown for the requested $475,000 was adopted at the meeting; trustees described the purpose generally as sustaining programming, facilities and equipment. The board also discussed outreach logistics and considered, without formal action, an informational table in the district lobby to answer voters’ questions about the referendum.

The next procedural step is the April 7, 2026 election, when district electors will vote on whether to allow the recurring revenue increase. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 19, 2026.