Referendum Resource Center

Referendum Resource Center

Thinking about going to referendum? The WASB Referendum Resource Center provides a series of WASB resources and links to other organizations to help boards understand the steps that are needed throughout the referendum process. Contact the WASB with any questions.

Note: Please keep in mind that sample materials from Wisconsin school districts are included for demonstration purposes. They should be carefully reviewed and adapted to meet the needs of your district.

Step One—Identify District Needs & Potential Referendum Options

hand vote (1-3 years before referendum)

At least one year before going to referendum, a district should clearly identify its needs and explore its referendum options.

Types of Referendums
General School District Referendum Information
WASB School District Legal Guide to Referendums
DPI Referendum Information (includes history of school district referendum results and DPI procedures and reporting requirements)
WASB Organizational Consulting Services
WSPRA Conceptual Referendum Timelines
School Enrollment Projection Services: UW Applied Population Laboratory
Investing in Wisconsin Public Schools

Step Two—Develop Key Message; Define Community Engagement Approach

(1 year – 18 months before referendum)

Once you’ve decided to explore the possibility of going to referendum, you’ll need to develop a plan to gauge your community’s support.

Step Three—Educate & Engage District Residents

(6 months – 1 year before referendum)

Engaging district residents should be an ongoing effort involving all aspects of school district governance.

WASBO/WASB/WSPRA Edventures School Finance Engagement Services

Sample Referendum Materials from Wisconsin School Districts

Please keep in mind that sample materials from Wisconsin school districts are included for demonstration purposes and are not necessarily recommended or endorsed by the WASB. When using sample materials from other Wisconsin school districts as an information resource, please keep in mind that such materials should be used as examples only. They should be carefully reviewed and adapted to meet the needs of your district.

*Beloit* Project Overview Referendum Highlights Powerpoint Presentation Referendum Flyer Letter to Parents	Middleton-Cross Plains Area Referendum Information Referendum Newsletter Referendum Poster Referendum Postcard Referendum Flyer
Fort Atkinson FAQ	Muskego-Norway Facilities Referendum Information Fact Sheet News Release Postcard Facilities Mailer
Howards Grove Communications Plan FAQ Ballot-At-A-Glance Fact Sheet Powerpoint Presentation Press Release Referendum Mailer	Watertown Unified FAQ Referendum-At-A-Glance Critical Capital Needs Postcard 1 Postcard 2 Your Vote Matters Flyer
Madison Metropolitan Referendum Information

WSPRA Public Relations Columns in the Wisconsin School News
WASB Legal Resources

Step Four—Formal Board Action

board action (3-6 months before referendum)

Setting a referendum data requires formal board approval. Understand your options and the specific statutory requirements.

WASB Legal Resources

Step Five—Ongoing Public Information Effort Continues

continuing community engagement (0-3 months before referendum)

Getting the approval of voters for a referendum requires communication and education. Voters need to clearly understand the needs of your district and what is being asked of them, and board members need to know clearly what they can say and do, and what they cannot.

Review communication and engagement efforts from Steps Two and Three
WASB Legal Resources

State Statutes

11.23 - Political Groups and Individuals; Referendum Questions
Referendum Ballot: 5.60(7), 5.64(2)
False Representations: 12.05