Wisconsin School Districts to Vote on Tax Referendums
Voters will decide on dozens of school district funding measures across the state on November 3.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Should your local school district rely on property tax referendums to fund daily operations?
On November 3, 2026, voters across Wisconsin will face 79 school district referendum questions on their ballots. Among the districts seeking new funding are Middleton-Cross Plains and Waunakee, which are both requesting property tax increases to address budget needs.
Why it matters
Districts are increasingly turning to local property tax referendums as state aid funding fails to keep pace with inflation and student needs. These measures are critical for maintaining school operations and funding facility renovations.
Middleton-Cross Plains seeks $118.5 million over four years, while Waunakee is requesting a $10.5 million permanent operating increase and $97.5 million for facilities. These requests would raise taxes by $120 per $100,000 of value in Middleton and roughly $210 annually for a $500,000 home in Waunakee.
The players
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
A Wisconsin school district currently seeking $118.5 million in operating funds via a voter-approved referendum.
Waunakee Community School District
A Wisconsin school district asking voters to approve permanent operating tax increases and facilities renovations.
The details
Middleton-Cross Plains plans to implement a $5 million budget cut regardless of the election outcome, with the referendum preventing an additional 20% reduction. Waunakee officials have structured their request to allow for a potential reduction in the local tax burden should state aid levels increase.
Timeline
2010: The funding gap began as state aid changes occurred.
2018: The statewide school referendum passage rate was 90%.
2022: Middleton-Cross Plains voters approved a $65.5 million operating referendum.
Spring 2026: The statewide referendum passage rate was 60%.
November 3, 2026: Election day for all school district referendums.
Culture Shift
These ballot measures reflect a growing tension between local district financial needs and taxpayer appetite for funding increases. This trend aligns with the decline in Wisconsin school referendum passage rates from 90% in 2018 to 60% in spring 2026.
Residents in the Middleton-Cross Plains and Waunakee districts should prepare for potential changes to their annual property tax bills if these measures pass. Voters are encouraged to review their specific district's ballot language to understand the anticipated financial impact on their household budget.
The takeaway
Voters should evaluate how these tax requests align with their district's long-term budget planning and operational needs. Understanding the tax impact per home value can help residents make an informed decision at the polls on election day.
Further reading
Learn more about local school funding initiatives on the Wisconsin Secondary Education page.
More information
Find specific details regarding your district's measures at the Wisconsin voter ballot information portal.
Live Poll
Should your local school district rely on property tax referendums to fund daily operations?
