WAUPUN — The 2025 Operating Referendum for the Waupun Area School District passed at the election Tuesday night, April 1, 2025.
The referendum passed with 3,014 votes in favor and 2,524 votes against.
1,755 of “yes” votes and 1,151 of “no” votes were in the City of Waupun.
The passage of this referendum will allow the Waupun Area School District to exceed the revenue limit in the Wisconsin State Statutes by $900,000 per year for three years.
Revenue from the increased levy will be used to maintain facilities, sustain and expand current program offerings, and pay staff salaries and benefits.
Once this referendum expires, the District will need to initiate a new one or find ways to bring costs down.
The full wording of the referendum is as follows.
“Waupun Area School District Exceed Revenue Limit Referendum — Shall the Waupun Area School District, Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $900,000 per year for three years beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and ending with the 2027-2028 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses, including to maintain facilities and small class sizes, to sustain and expand educational programming, and to pay salaries and benefits?”
Lori Van Buren, Megan VandeZande, and Lucas VanEgtern were also reelected to the Waupun Area School District Board of Education.
Below is the full press release from District Administrator Dr. Steven Hill following the results.
Waupun Area School District
April 1, 2025, 10:29PM
District Administrator Dr. Steven Hill
Dear Waupun Area School District Community Members,
On Tuesday, April 1, our community passed the operational referendum, reaffirming its commitment to the students and the future of the Waupun Area School District. Your support ensures that we can continue providing high-quality education over the next three school years to the communities of the Waupun Area School District.
This approval of this three-year temporary referendum would not be possible without the dedication of our voters, staff, and school board members. Thanks to you, we can sustain vital programs, retain talented educators, and keep Waupun’s schools strong and successful.
We deeply appreciate the trust you have placed in us. As always, we remain committed to responsible stewardship of these funds, ensuring they directly benefit our students and schools. In the coming months, we will share updates on how these resources will support our district’s needs. We also encourage continued community involvement—whether by attending school board meetings, following district communications, or sharing your insights. Your engagement is essential in shaping the future of education in Waupun.
Thank you for your support, your questions, and your belief in our schools. Together, we are building a bright future for our Waupun Area School District communities.
With gratitude,
Steven K. Hill, Ed.D
District Administrator
Waupun Area School District
