Wisconsin Voters Prefer Consolidation Over Tax Hikes

A new poll reveals that most state voters would rather consolidate school districts than approve higher property tax levies.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Administration

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a small wooden school model next to circular metallic objects, symbolizing educational funding decisions. — A recent Marquette Law School poll finds that 63% of Wisconsin voters prefer consolidating school districts to approving property tax increases. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you prefer to consolidate local schools rather than pay higher property taxes?

A Marquette Law School poll shows that 63% of registered Wisconsin voters prefer closing or consolidating school districts over increasing property taxes. This comes as districts across the state are asking voters to approve $1.6 billion in property tax levies this fall.

Why it matters

School districts are seeking additional funding to cover rising operating costs, but voters increasingly prioritize holding the line on taxes as school-age populations shrink in rural areas. The findings highlight a deep divide in how to address the financial stability of public education.

The poll surveyed 818 registered Wisconsin voters with a margin of error of 4.3%. It found that 72% of rural respondents, 64% of urban residents, and 56% of suburban voters favor consolidation over tax hikes.

The players

Marquette Law School

This institution is a professional school within a private university that regularly conducts public opinion polling on Wisconsin politics and social issues.

Department of Public Instruction

This state agency oversees public education, manages school district standards, and processes requests for district dissolution and reorganization.

The details

School districts use referendums to raise revenue above state-imposed limits, with 153 such questions on the ballot in 2026. If these measures fail, districts including Hustiford, Dodgeville, Gillett, Siren, and Winter may face potential dissolution or consolidation.

1990: Ondossagon School District successfully dissolved.
2018: Referendum approval rate peaked at 89.7%.
2024: 241 referendum questions appeared on the ballot.
April 2026: Approximately 61% of referendums passed.
October 14-22, 2026: Marquette Law School conducted the poll.

Culture Shift

The current wave of potential school district dissolutions follows a pattern established by the 1990 dissolution of the Ondossagon School District. This signals a departure from past funding strategies as rural demographics and economic pressures force a reimagining of local school governance.

Voters should review their specific district's referendum questions to understand how potential tax levies may impact their household budgets. If referendums fail in districts considering dissolution, residents may experience changes to local school services or school assignments.

The takeaway

While districts seek revenue to handle rising operating costs, voters appear increasingly skeptical of property tax increases. Residents should track their local ballot measures closely as school districts navigate these fiscal challenges.