Wisconsin school district faces $24M deficit seeks community support for funding

The Racine Unified School District (RUSD) held a town hall meeting on March 28, 2025, to discuss the upcoming 2025 referendum and the financial challenges facing the district. Superintendent Dr. Eric Gallien outlined the pressing issues, including rising costs that exceed inflation and the impact of unfunded state and federal mandates on the district's budget.

Dr. Gallien emphasized that the district is grappling with a projected $24 million deficit for the next school year, which could escalate to $45 million over the next five years. He highlighted the need for community support to maintain educational programs and avoid detrimental cuts that would affect students, particularly the youngest learners. The superintendent noted that without additional funding, the district would face higher class sizes, staffing reductions, and program cuts.

A significant point of discussion was the unfunded state mandate related to Act 20, which requires the district to implement a science of reading curriculum. Although the state allocated $50 million for this initiative, the funds have not yet been received, placing further strain on the district's finances. Dr. Gallien also expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding federal funding, which supports essential programs like breakfast and lunch for students.

To address the financial shortfall, the district proposed a modest tax increase of approximately $35 per $100,000 of property value, which would help sustain current educational efforts without imposing a heavy burden on taxpayers. For example, homeowners with a property valued at $200,000 would see an increase of about $70 in their property taxes next year. Dr. Gallien reassured attendees that the tax increase would remain stable over the next five years, avoiding unexpected spikes.

The meeting also addressed questions regarding the previous referendum, clarifying that funds from that initiative are legally restricted to facility improvements and cannot be redirected to cover operational costs.

In conclusion, the town hall underscored the urgent need for community investment in RUSD to ensure that students continue to receive quality education amid financial challenges. The district is committed to transparency and responsible budgeting as it seeks to navigate these difficulties.