Voters favor funding education for Superior, Northwood school districts
Nov. 6—Voters supported additional school operations funding by margins of nearly 54% for the School District of Superior and 52% for the Northwood School District.
Northwood's referendum requested authorization to exceed its revenue limits by $800,000 a year for four years beginning in 2024-2025 and ending in 2027-2028.
Superior's referendum authorized the district to exceed its revenue limits by $2.5 million in 2024-2025 and 2025-2026; $3.5 million in 2026-2027; $4.5 million in 2027-2028; and $5.5 million in 2028-2029 to help pay for operational expenses.
A referendum is the only way the district can generate more revenue under state caps that have been in place since 1993, according to Superior District Administrator Amy Starzecki. Director of Business Services David See said that 85% of the districts in the state have already brought operational referendums to their constituents.
This was the first time either district has gone to operational referendum.
Both school districts sent out emails and Facebook messages Wednesday morning expressing thanks for the community's support.
"Your vote of confidence in our district is a testament to your commitment to providing our children with a high-quality education," the Superior message said.
In Superior, officials have said the five-year levy will enable the district to maintain class sizes and staffing levels, keep current programs and fund critical building maintenance.
Superior taxpayers will spend an extra 4 cents for every $1,000 of property value, according to the 2024-2025 budget.
"The money this year is going to provide the ability to work on the deferred maintenance," See said. Projects that have been put off include repairs to mortar joints to prevent water intrusion in masonry at Four Corners, Great Lakes and Bryant schools, and roof repairs at Northern Lights Elementary and Superior Middle School, he said.
The referendum comes in the wake of substantial cuts at the end of the 2023-2024 school year due to declining enrollment and state funding that is not keeping up with rising costs. The cuts included eliminating 60 positions and closing Lake Superior School.
As the community chips in a larger share of the district's budget, the percentage of revenues that come from the state will decrease to 63%.
In Northwood, officials said the investment will help address operational costs such as retaining teachers, staff and programming while freeing up general fund dollars for deferred maintenance and accessibility upgrades.
"We look forward to the exciting work ahead and the positive momentum for our district," the Northwood message said. "Thank you for believing in our students, staff, communities and our wonderful district."
The annual tax impact to Northwood property owners would be $7 per $100,000 of value for the first two years and increase to $27, $54 and $79 over the following three years.
This story was updated at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 with district statements and additional background information. It was originally posted at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday.
