On April 7, 2026, Blair-Taylor School District voters will be asked to consider a non-recurring operational referendum. If approved, the referendum would provide funding authority to support the day-to-day operations of the District, as the current operational referendum is scheduled to expire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year. It is intended to allow the District to continue operating existing programs, services, and educational opportunities for our students.
The Ballot Question Is:
Shall the School District of Blair-Taylor, Trempealeau and Jackson Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,100,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year and ending with the 2028-2029 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of expenses to maintain current operations, offerings for students and facility maintenance?
Mill Rate Projection?
**assuming 6% property value growth per year
**actual taxes may vary based on property values, state aid, and other factors.
The mill rate is the "tax rate" that is applied to the assessed value per $1,000 of a property value. The current mill rate for the 2025-26 school year is $8.34 per $1,000 of property value. Based on these assumptions, if the referendum is approved, the mill rate may remain stable or change gradually over the three years of the proposed operational referendum.
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Estimated Tax Impact?
**The following table shows illustrative monthly and annual tax impact based on current projections, including 6% property value growth:
Property Value
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Monthly Impact
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Annual Impact
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$100,000
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($1.61)
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($19.30)
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Is This a New Tax?
- The proposed operational referendum would replace the District’s current $1.5 million non-recurring operational referendum, which expires at the end of the 2025–26 school year.
- The proposed referendum amount is $1.1 million, which is $400,000 less than the current referendum authority.
What Happens If the Referendum is Approved?
Approval of the referendum would allow the District to continue operating within its current program structure and staffing model.
- Student Programming and Instruction
- Allows the District to continue offering current academic programs, electives, and advanced coursework.
- Supports continued access to academic interventions and student supports based on individual needs.
- Class Size and Staffing
- Provides the ability to maintain current staffing levels.
- Reduces the need to consider increases in class sizes or reductions in instructional support.
- Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Opportunities
- Allows the District to continue offering extracurricular and co-curricular activities, including athletics, music, fine arts, clubs, and student organizations.
- Supports opportunities that contribute to student engagement, leadership, and teamwork.
- Student Support Services
- Allows continuation of counseling services and supports related to student well-being, mental health, and post-secondary planning.
- Career and College Readiness
- Supports continued access to courses and experiences that prepare students for college, careers, and technical pathways.
- Allows continued use of instructional technology, hands-on learning, and real-world skill development opportunities.
- Equitable Access
- Supports maintaining programs and services that provide equitable access to educational opportunities for all students.
What Happens if the Referendum Is Not Approved?
- Flexibility to maintain current programs, staffing, and supports would be reduced.
- Opportunities for students may be limited depending on available funding.
- Future State General Aid could be reduced. If a reduction occurs, funding previously allocated to Blair-Taylor may be redistributed to other Wisconsin school districts.
Need More Information?
Attend an Informational Session
March 18, 2026 - Blair-Taylor Auditorium - 7:00pm
March 25, 2026 - Taylor Community Center - 7:00pm
Email: Lynn Halverson - halvel@btsd.k12.wi.us
Call: Lynn Halverson - 608-989-2525 x309
Voting Information:
Please visit myvote.wi.gov to register to vote, request an absentee ballot, or to find your polling location.
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