Wauwatosa voters OK two schools referendums, for facilities improvements and operating expenses

Aging facilities in the Wauwatosa School District will get an update after voters on Tuesday approved a $60 million capital referendum. They also approved a $64.4 million operational referendum.

Here's what to know:

Results:

What and how much: The first question sought $60 million for facilities improvements. The second question sought an additional $64.4 million spread over four years, ending in the 2028-20 school year, to help with operational expenses.

Tax impact: $2.10 per $1,000 of property value since both questions pass. The district's 2023-24 tax rate was $6.68 per $1,000 of property value.

Scope of the two referendum questions: The operational referendum funds district operations including salaries, benefits, and instructional and co-curricular programming. The facilities referendum funds delayed maintenance projects and projects to meet Americans with Disabilities Act facilities standards at Eisenhower, Madison, Roosevelt, Jefferson and Washington elementary schools; the Fisher Administration building, which houses Wauwatosa Montessori, and at Wauwatosa East and Wauwatosa West high schools.

Why it's needed: The district said the operational referendum would help it handle operational needs that have been made more difficult by a lack of state funding. It said the facilities referendum would help it to address issues at aging facilities, particularly schools that are not in compliance with ADA standards.

Last referendum: Voters passed a $124.9 million referendum in November 2018 that primarily focused on new construction and renovations to Lincoln, McKinley, Underwood and Wilson/WSTEM elementary schools.

Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or . Follow him on X (Twitter) at .