Wausau School District Superintendent Discusses Failed Operational Referendum

Sunday, April 6th, 2025 -- 10:00 AM

(WSAW Staff, WSAW) After voters did not approve an operational referendum on the April 1 ballot, the Wausau School District superintendent said the district’s financial situation will force them “to make some difficult decisions”.

According to WSAW staff, voters said no to a five-year, nonrecurring operational referendum. It would have allowed the Wausau School District to exceed its revenue limit by $8 million per year through the 2029-30 school year.

Superintendent Cale Bushman said no firm decisions have been made yet. However, due to the financial situation, the district will have to consider staffing reductions, delaying maintenance projects, reductions in funding for activities and/or athletics, reducing course offerings, and possible salary freezes.

Bushman said the goal is to have the “least impact on student, staff, and community experiences”. He also thanked all the community members who took part in the operating referendum discussions over the last several months.

The district said in a FAQ page that it is facing a $3.7 million deficit for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. Voters did approve a $119.8 million capital referendum in April 2022.

Money from that referendum is funding projects including middle and high school remodeling/additions, additions at Riverview, South Mountain, and Stettin elementary schools, and building a new School Forest Environmental Learning Center.

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