Wausau School Bell. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau Board of Education voted to approve the 2023 budget on Monday.
Superintendent Keith Hilts says it brought good news for taxpayers who will see a larger-than-expected drop in the mill rate after last April’s referendum. That was due to multiple factors including an increase in property values, state revenue limits, and the district’s ability to cancel debt. But he says they aren’t celebrating just yet, as they are in a tight spot when it comes to managing some expenses. “We are excited to be able to offer a balanced budget but in the future, we are looking to the state legislature to increase our revenue limits to keep up with some expenses,” said Hilts. “We need to pay staff enough to attract them, as everybody is.
We need to pay our bills. Our expenses are growing rapidly and with no increase from the legislature in the last two years we are struggling,” he added.
Additionally, the district received some one-time aid from the state, which Hilts says can’t be counted on for future budgets.
Overall the mill rate dropped by 91 cents. per $1,000 of equalized value. More details on the budget can be found here.
Additionally, the district debuted an 11-minute video that will launch later this week designed to begin a community-wide conversation on the makeup of the district’s schools. Hilts says he knows for some that will be a difficult conversation because of the deep connection they have with their neighborhood school. But he wants everyone to remember that this isn’t a conversation about right now. “We need to take some strategic actions to set the district and the community up for long-term success. That’s how I hope they’ll approach this conversation.
No plan to consolidate schools currently exists, and Hilts says he doesn’t see a scenario where the board would act on a plan just for the sake of doing something. “When the board has a plan that they feel confident in, that the staff and the families feel some confidence in, that’s when they will make a decision. If we can’t get to that position, then I don’t think the board would take action.”
The video outlines the district’s case for exploring consolidation through interviews with staff about the struggles that they have, especially those who work out of different buildings and can’t be available to all of their students at all times. It also talks about declining enrollment and enrollment parody, which has led the district to move some students out of their neighborhood school because class sizes are too large.
Parents and residents are then encouraged to take a survey on the issue. That will be available online through a QR code or a link on the district website. Leaders also plan to mail paper copies to those who need them and will make the survey available in multiple languages.
Two information sessions have also been scheduled for November 16th and December 7th. One will be held at Wausau East High School, the other at West. More information on those will be available in the coming weeks.
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