72 Wisconsin School Districts Hold Referendums

News: State Supt. Dr. Underly: Another Surge of Referendums Underscores Need for State Commitment to Public Education

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 04/08/2026 09:40 AM CDT
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 8, 2026

| # State Superintendent Dr. Underly: Another surge of referendums underscores need for state commitment to public education |

| MADISON — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly released the following statement today, as 72 Wisconsin school districts held referendums in Tuesday’s spring general election.

"Public schools have been the bedrock of Wisconsin since its founding, when state leaders enshrined in our constitution the responsibility to provide every child with a quality education. T he growing number of school referendums, however, is a clear sign al that the state is falling short of that promise.

"Years of chronic underfunding from the state, combined with r ising costs, have pushed too many districts into an unsustainable cycle, forcing communities to repeatedly turn to voters just to meet simple, basic needs like keeping schools staffed and the lights on. This is unfair to students, educators, and taxpayers alike, and it is placing an increasing strain on communities across our state.

"Wisconsin must renew its commitment to i nvesting in our children. That means adequate ly funding public schools so every district can deliver the high-quality education students deserve, without being forced to rely on repeated referendums to survive."

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has a referendum reporting tool portal available. Additional information on Wisconsin referendums can also be found on the DPI's website, and historical data can be found on the department’s Data & Maps webpage. Please note, per state law, school district clerks have up to 10 days to certify results and report to the DPI. O fficial results will be updated as soon as possible after reports are submitted by clerks.

An official photo of Dr. Underly is available on the DPI’s website.

Contact: Media.Inquiries@dpi.wi.gov | | View as a webpage  /  Share | # State Superintendent Dr. Underly: Another surge of referendums underscores need for state commitment to public education | MADISON — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly released the following statement today, as 72 Wisconsin school districts held referendums in Tuesday’s spring general election.

"Public schools have been the bedrock of Wisconsin since its founding, when state leaders enshrined in our constitution the responsibility to provide every child with a quality education. T he growing number of school referendums, however, is a clear sign al that the state is falling short of that promise.

"Years of chronic underfunding from the state, combined with r ising costs, have pushed too many districts into an unsustainable cycle, forcing communities to repeatedly turn to voters just to meet simple, basic needs like keeping schools staffed and the lights on. This is unfair to students, educators, and taxpayers alike, and it is placing an increasing strain on communities across our state.

"Wisconsin must renew its commitment to i nvesting in our children. That means adequate ly funding public schools so every district can deliver the high-quality education students deserve, without being forced to rely on repeated referendums to survive."

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has a referendum reporting tool portal available. Additional information on Wisconsin referendums can also be found on the DPI's website, and historical data can be found on the department’s Data & Maps webpage. Please note, per state law, school district clerks have up to 10 days to certify results and report to the DPI. O fficial results will be updated as soon as possible after reports are submitted by clerks.

An official photo of Dr. Underly is available on the DPI’s website.

Contact: Media.Inquiries@dpi.wi.gov | |

"Public schools have been the bedrock of Wisconsin since its founding, when state leaders enshrined in our constitution the responsibility to provide every child with a quality education. T he growing number of school referendums, however, is a clear sign al that the state is falling short of that promise.

"Years of chronic underfunding from the state, combined with r ising costs, have pushed too many districts into an unsustainable cycle, forcing communities to repeatedly turn to voters just to meet simple, basic needs like keeping schools staffed and the lights on. This is unfair to students, educators, and taxpayers alike, and it is placing an increasing strain on communities across our state.

"Wisconsin must renew its commitment to i nvesting in our children. That means adequate ly funding public schools so every district can deliver the high-quality education students deserve, without being forced to rely on repeated referendums to survive."

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has a referendum reporting tool portal available. Additional information on Wisconsin referendums can also be found on the DPI's website, and historical data can be found on the department’s Data & Maps webpage. Please note, per state law, school district clerks have up to 10 days to certify results and report to the DPI. O fficial results will be updated as soon as possible after reports are submitted by clerks.

An official photo of Dr. Underly is available on the DPI’s website.

Contact: Media.Inquiries@dpi.wi.gov |

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Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction • Jill K. Underly, PhD, State Superintendent
201 West Washington Avenue • Madison, WI 53703 • dpi.wi.gov

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Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction • Jill K. Underly, PhD, State Superintendent
201 West Washington Avenue • Madison, WI 53703 • dpi.wi.gov

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|

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction • Jill K. Underly, PhD, State Superintendent
201 West Washington Avenue • Madison, WI 53703 • dpi.wi.gov

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