RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU) - The auditorium was full Tuesday night, as community members told Rhinelander School Board members they want to save their teachers, charter schools, and elective programs.

After several people told board members they wanted to keep Rhinelander schools structured the way they are now, the board voted unanimously to ask voters in a referendum what they want to do. The district is about three million dollars short in their budget, and they need to make tough cuts or find new revenue.

If the referendum fails, two charter schools, some extracurricular activities and all elective courses would likely get the budget axe. Eight full-time teachers would also be laid off.

Superintendent Dr. Roger Erdahl believes the referendum has a good chance of passing.