2022 Referendum

Thank You Ripon Community Members!

Operational Referendum Results

November 8, 2022

YES     2,766   (59%)
NO      1,908   (41%)

Frequently Asked Questions - November 8, 2022 Operational Referendum

This page is dedicated to providing information and details regarding the Operational Referendum that the Board of Education has placed on the November 8, 2022, ballot.
Questions are always welcome at rasdhelp@ripon.k12.wi.us or by calling the District office at (920) 748-4600.

What is an operational referendum? 

An operational referendum is a voter-approved increase in local taxes to fund the day-to-day operations of a school district.  Referendums are presented as a ballot question for voters to approve/disapprove. If approved, an operational referendum gives the Board of Education authority to increase its tax levy by a set amount each year, which provides more revenue for the district. An operational referendum pays for utilities, routine maintenance, salaries and benefits of all staff, insurance, supplies, etc.

Why are voters asked to consider a referendum on November 8?

The District faces a significant loss of federal revenue in the 2023-2024 school year ($1.4 million). The loss of revenue would mean larger class sizes and fewer interventions for students.

What is the Ripon Area School District asking for in its operational referendum?

On November 8, 2022 tax payers will vote to approve:

• Exceeding the revenue limit set by Wisconsin statue by $850,000 per year for the next 6 years to sustain general operations.
• The referendum is non-recurring, which means it has a beginning and end date.
• This referendum would begin in the 2022-2023 school year and end with the 2027-2028 school year.

What changed since the last referendum was approved in November 2020?

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected students across our country and in Ripon. The federal government provided Every Student Succeeds Education Reflief (ESSER) funds to schools to respond to student learning gaps and social-emotional needs. RASD used ESSER funds to hire teaching staff to reduce class sizes and interventionists to provide individualized support for students. The 2020 referendum replaced the 2014 operational referendum and resulted in no tax increase. It provides for technology (including student devices), curriculum materials, and facilities maintenance. It also set the stage for the district to transform itself virtually overnight in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If the referendum passes, what will it do to my taxes?

Tax rates for the 2022-2023 school year are expected to drop to an all-time low of $8.15 per $1,000 of property value. The tax rate will be the lowest since at least 1984 because of growing property values and increased property tax relief (equalization aid) from the state.

If voters approve, how will the funds from the operational referendum be used?

Referendum funds will help to sustain some of the district's interventions and low class sizes. Additionally, referendum funds will allow a significant amount of federal revenue from the ESSER grants to be used in future years.

What happens if the referendum doesn't pass?

If the referendum is denied by voters, RASD will balance its budget through staff reductions. The proposed tax rate would remain at $8.15 (an all-time low) as the District attempts to push the mill rate down slowly over time. Additional funds would be levied to pay down the District's long-term debt early to avoid loan interest payments and maximize state aid.