On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the District will ask residents to vote on an operational referendum. The question on the ballot will be as follows:

“Shall the School District of Owen-Withee, Clark and Taylor Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $500,000 per year beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the 2026-2027 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses?”

The previous referendum that was approved in 2019 asked the taxpayers for $400,000 in operating funds for five years. This nonrecurring referendum ended with the 2023-2024 school year. What this means is that we will be starting the 2024-2025 school year with revenue that is $400,000 less than the previous school year. The school board has made cuts in the budget to do the least damage to students and academics.

The Owen-Withee School District continues to be very successful offering academics that meet the needs for all students that attend. We understand that all students learn differently, and we  provide students with traditional school choices,  and the Rural Virtual Academy giving students choices in their education.

The Owen-Withee School District continues to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. Some of the specific cost saving measures are as follows: Grants are written to help supplement the current education of students, some teachers and staff that were lost to attrition did not have hired replacements, some maintenance has been deferred or will be deferred with fewer staff.

We will write for grants to help provide technology to staff and students, provide safety measures throughout the school, and provide equipment for the kitchen. Donations have been gifted to the school district to purchase athletic equipment  for the new training room that the community can also enjoy.

The Owen-Withee School District and Communities have been known for being highly supportive of our schools and education of all our students. We are a small rural school district with a strong heartbeat. Our teaching staff is a fantastic blend of veterans and younger teachers that want to give the students of the district the very best. Thank you for all your support over the years. This referendum will help retain the quality teachers and staff in the district. I am sure everyone wants the best for the students, teachers, and staff in the school district.

The referendum facts and other information is available on our website: www.owen-withee.k12.wi.us. If you just would like more information, please contact me at 715-229-2151 ext. 1225. We appreciate your attention to this information and thank you for being informed about the Owen-Withee School District Referendum 2024.