After failed referendums, schools target programs and staff for cuts

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – After failed referendums this spring, school districts across Wisconsin are now having to adjust their budgets, triggering staff and programming cuts.

In western Wisconsin, Prairie du Chien is removing several girls athletics programs, including dance, cheerleading, and gymnastics. The district is also cutting several positions, closing an elementary school, and reducing its athletics and technology budgets.

Listed and passed to move forward at PDC was a reduction in academic programming. The list included the Criminal Justice class, student driven enrollment classes and having the school cover the cost of student AP exams. Also slated to be cut were several girls co-curricular activities including gymnastics, cheerleading and dance. According to school officials, the cuts and other budget necessary adjustments will be finalized at May’s meeting.

Across the state, Fond du Lac is cutting 27 staff members, while Beloit will cut over 6 million dollars from its budget after slashing nearly 12 million last year.

The Weston School District, in Southwest Wisconsin, has yet to announce what, if any, budget cuts and adjustments will be made in light of it’s failed referendum from earlier this month. An operational referendum failed among both Sauk and Richland County voters. A successful vote would have allowed the district to exceed its revenue limit by $1.5 million per year for three years starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

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