Referendum language approved by Rhinelander school board

By Eileen Persike, Editor.

It’s official. The School District of Rhinelander Board of Education Monday night approved language for an upcoming referendum vote. This is what will appear on ballots at the February 16, 2016 election:

“Shall the School District of Rhinelander, Oneida, Lincoln and Langlade Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $5,000,000 per year beginning with the 2016-2017 school year and ending with the 2018-2019 school year for non-recurring purposes?”

At the October 19 regular meeting, the board directed the administration to develop a resolution that would go before the school district voters. The Administration worked with attorneys for the district, Quarles and Brady, LLP for the proper resolution language. The board had until December 5, per state law, to approve the language.

Wisconsin lawmakers are proposing a bill that would place limitations on school districts regarding the ability to ask taxpayers for additional funds. The bill would dictate when a referendum vote can be held and restrict districts to a two year wait to try again following a failed referendum. Last week Senator Tom Tiffany told a group of area retired educators he is not in favor of that bill in its current form. Rhinelander Superintendent Kelli Jacobi told the board last night the bill is a concern, and that it is unknown when it would take affect should it become law.

Two motions were made and approved at the meeting; the first to adopt the resolution authorizing the district to exceed the revenue limit by $5 million per year for three years (non-recurring). The second motion was to adopt the exact resolution language. The current referendum expires the end of this school year.