The Manitowoc Public School District is talking about what’s next as a voter-approved operational referendum comes to an end.
In 2023, MPSD residents approved a $61.7 million referendum that runs through the 2027-2028 school year.
Documents from the district’s Finance and Facilities Committee showed that they borrowed less than what voters approved during the levy.
Superintendent Lee Thennes says this year, they plan to levy around $10.25 million, when they can levy up to $15 million.
Thennes says levying less is supposed to help flatten tax bills, so they are more predictable.
“The reason the conversation is because next year is our last year of this,” he explained. “And what we really want to do is involve the board early on in a conversation.”
Thennes says the district is trying to do more with less, because the state is not properly funding public education.
While there is no referendum on the ballot, Thennes says there will be discussions about whether there should be another one in the future.
Superintendent Lee Thennes
At a future meeting, the district will consider what would happen if they didn’t hold the referendum.
“What that means is a severe cut in services, a severe cut in programming, which is what we’ve always been trying to avoid,” he stated. “Because we believe our kids deserve the best and we believe we have the best as it relates to career readiness, college readiness.”
After the district approved changes to close two elementary schools starting this school year, some residents said they weren’t sure they could support another referendum if the school asked for one.
Thennes says if people are concerned, “Do us a favor and call your state legislators because, quite frankly, I’m kind of ticked about it too. I pay taxes. I’m doubly paying, all the time. And it’s really quite unnecessary. Our state needs to do what it’s promised to do, which is fund public education in a manner that produces the best results for our children and our future.”
When the topic will be brought up again is not known at this time.
