Referendum November 5, 2024
Ensuring a Bright Future for Janesville Students
Upcoming Community Engagement Sessions
Come learn more about the District's needs and proposed solutions:
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Wednesday, October 9, 2024: 6:00 PM -- 7:30 PM at Lincoln Elementary School
1821 Conde Avenue, Janesville -
Wednesday, October 16, 2024: 10:00 AM -- 11:30 AM at Washington Elementary School
811 N. Pine Street, Janesville
OPERATIONAL & CAPITAL REFERENDUM | NOVEMBER 5, 2024
While the School District of Janesville is a big source of pride, our district has both operational and facility needs that require the attention of our entire community. District leaders and the Board of Education believe the time has come to address these needs in a comprehensive manner that positions our schools and students for success now and in the years ahead.
This November, residents of the School District of Janesville (SDJ) will consider two referendum questions critically important to the future of our local public schools. The Board of Education and the SDJ Administration need your input regarding how you want your community's schools to function and operate now and into the future.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, our community will vote on two proposed referendums questions:
- A $14.5 million non-recurring operational referendum to replace the measure voters approved in 2020 and that is set to expire soon; and
- A $151.8 million capital referendum to address facility needs across our schools and move forward with Phase 1 of our long-range facilities plan.
More information about the two questions follows. Information about the process the board used to engage the community on these questions can be found on our Facilities Needs page. Questions may be directed to info@janesville.k12.wi.us or call 608-743-5091.
Addressing Operational Needs
In 2020, voters in our community approved a four-year, non-recurring operational referendum for the School District of Janesville. This referendum will sunset at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
A renewed $14.5 million operational referendum would allow SDJ to:
- Target small class sizes at transitional grade levels
- Continue investments in classroom technology and supporting infrastructure
- Attract and retain staff
- Address costs related to insurance, supplies, transportation, and utilities
- Invest in curriculum resources
- Avoid reductions that will hinder the district’s mission
On November 5, 2024, community members will vote on a proposed renewal of our operational referendum. If it’s approved, the referendum would expire at the end of the 2026-27 school year unless voters approve a new referendum before that time.
NO ESTIMATED TAX INCREASE for district residents.
Addressing Building & Facility Needs
Our buildings have been well maintained over the years. However, our 20 school facilities have an average age of 63 years. As such, the district faces a minimum of $578 million in long-term capital maintenance needs, including $137 million in immediate, high-priority projects.
Our focus is on three key areas:
Safety & Security
Enhanced Learning Spaces
Repairs to Aging Systems
We recognize our facilities require a significant investment. That’s why we are taking a long-term, phased approach to our planning—asking our community to consider only our highest-priority needs first. Less urgent (but still important) facilities projects will be addressed in future phases.
On November 5, 2024, our community will vote on a capital referendum question, not to exceed $151.8 million, to address the district’s prioritized facility needs. If it’s approved, SDJ would move forward on Phase 1 of our long-range facilities plan. Here’s how these first phase projects would break down:
- $11.1 million to enhance safety and security
- $16.2 million to improve special education classrooms
- $124.5 million to repair or replace high-priority capital maintenance needs
The estimated property tax impact of the capital referendum would be $81 per every $100,000 of assessed fair market property value. A home valued at $300,000 would see a property tax impact of $243 per year (or $20.25 per month), starting with the December 2025 tax bill.