The Gillett School Board will seek permission through an operational referendum on April 7 to exceed state-mandated budget limits.
Voters will be asked to authorize an increase to the district’s revenue limit to maintain staffing and educational opportunities at the schools. Polling the district conducted with 400 randomly selected citizens indicated 61% support for an operational referendum larger than the board’s proposal.
A $2 million deficit is expected in the 2026-27 school year, increasing to $2.8 million the following year.
If the referendum does not pass, discussions with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction would explore dissolving the district after the 2026-27 school year.
Like many districts across Wisconsin, Gillett faces significant financial pressure as state funding has not kept pace with inflation.
The district has been operating at a deficit and drawing down its fund balance to levels that may require short-term borrowing to cover basic operational costs. At the same time, Gillett is the lowest compensated district in the region for salary and benefits, making it increasingly difficult to attract and retain qualified staff.
District officials claim reductions in staffing have already reached a point where further cuts would significantly increase class sizes and reduce opportunities for students to the point they would have to consider closing the school district.
The referendum proposes a five-year, phased plan — instead of a single large increase — that would increase funding by $2 million in the first year, with a projected year one increase of $19.75 per month, per $100,000 of property value.
Community members can access detailed information about the referendum by visiting gillett.referendumfacts.org and through upcoming public information sessions.
The first informational meeting will be held Feb. 26 at 5:30 p.m. in the Gillett Secondary School Commons, 208 W. Main St., Gillett.
For information, contact Superintendent Nathan Hanson at 920-855-2137 or nhanson@gillett.k12.wi.us.
