Voters narrowly approve SDR operational referendum 

The margin was significantly different then last April, when approximately two-thirds of School District of Rhinelander voters approved a $26 million referendum to fund additions and upgrades to the district’s technical education facilities, but the Hodag community has once again offered an affirmative response to a school funding request.

According to results posted on the school district website, just over 53 percent of those who went to the polls on April 1 answered “yes” to a referendum question requesting voters’ authorize the district to exceed the revenue limit by $3 million per year for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years and by $7 million per year for the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school years, for ongoing operational expenses.

In a statement issued on April 2, district superintendent Eric Burke expressed gratitude for the community’s continued support.

“We are incredibly grateful to be part of a community that values education and prioritizes the needs of all students,” he said. “Your support ensures that we can continue working every day toward our mission of equity, empowerment, and excellence for all. Together, we have found a solution to our financial needs that positions our schools and students for success in the years to come. We also deeply appreciate the thoughtful conversations we have had regarding the future of our school district. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our schools and the students we serve.”

As a result of the voters’ support of the April 1 referendum, the School District of Rhinelander will be able to “maintain and grow programs and services for students while balancing our budget and sustaining our fiscal health for the future,” Burke noted.

“We will also be able to continue our focus on retaining and attracting high-quality educators and staff to serve our students,” he added.

The election was held two days after the Hodag Dome, where city residents cast their votes, was deflated due to damage sustained as a result of a severe weather-related power outage.

City Clerk Austyn Zarda, who administers elections for the city, told the Star Journal a team effort began on Sunday to secure an alternative voting location for those who live in Rhinelander.

A special common council meeting was scheduled for Sunday evening as the city was legally required to declare the Hodag Dome unusable and determine that the James Williams Middle School gym would be a suitable alternative. 

Zarda said the entire common council was able to attend and the meeting itself lasted approximately 20 minutes. Most of that time was spent listening to city attorney Steve Sorenson who explained the legal requirements, Zarda  explained.

The next step was to get the word out so people would know where to go to cast their vote.

Zarda said social media was particularly helpful in that effort and noted that several local businesses helped spread the word.

By approximately 6 p.m. Tuesday evening, Zarda’s only remaining concern was possibly running out of ballots.

He told the Star Journal that the relocation to JWMS was “seamless” and the day went smoothly, with both voters and election volunteers making the best of an unfortunate situation.

The turnout was massive, despite the weather and the change in polling location, he reported, adding that the sheriff’s office provided assistance and helped ensure members of the public could exercise their right to vote  without impacting student learning. 

School board election

In other spring election news, voters re-elected three incumbents and one newcomer to the board of education. Rhinelander police sergeant Kurt Helke will join incumbents Judy Conlin, Mary Peterson and Ron Lueneburg, a retired police captain, on the board.

“I am very thankful to the support I have received in this community,” Helke wrote on his Facebook page. “I am especially appreciative of the teachers and citizens that approached me to talk and say, ‘Hey, you got my vote!’ I owe some quality representation and work to each person that took the time to color in the bubble next to my name. I know that some of the others that didn't get elected are quality people that I will encourage to try again in a year when 3 more spots are up for re-election. Step one: I become a student to learn to be (the) best I can in this position.”