Green Bay Schools Proposed $313.5 Million Budget

The district budget plan includes a tax rate decrease and a proposed November operational referendum for voters.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Special Education

Green Bay Schools Proposed $313.5 Million Budget

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Do you support the proposed budget increase for your local school district?

The Green Bay Area Public School District has proposed a $313.5 million budget for the 2026-27 school year, marking a 1% increase over the previous cycle. This spending plan includes a 2.63% pay raise for employees and relies on a $33.3 million transfer to cover special education expenses.

Why it matters

Rising inflation and a gap between actual and projected state special education reimbursements have put pressure on district finances. Officials are now seeking a $158 million operational referendum to address these long-term funding challenges.

The proposed property tax levy is $116.6 million, resulting in a tax rate of $7.07 per $1,000 of value despite a 6.07% rise in equalized home values. The district anticipates a 38% state reimbursement rate for its special education costs.

The players

Green Bay Area Public School District

This is the primary public education entity serving students and families in the Green Bay region.

The details

To manage the deficit, the district transfers funds from its general budget to support mandatory special education services. Residents will have the opportunity to participate in public hearings before the board takes a final vote on the overall financial package.

October 12, 2026: The district hosts its first budget presentation hearing.
October 26, 2026: The school board is expected to vote on the budget.
November 3, 2026: Local voters will decide on the $158 million operational referendum.

Culture Shift

The district's reliance on general fund transfers follows a pattern set by the state of Wisconsin's special education reimbursement funding model. This structural pressure is forcing local authorities to move toward increasingly frequent operational referendums to bridge core service gaps.

Property owners will see a tax rate of $7.07 per $1,000 of equalized value, though individual tax bills may fluctuate due to the 6.07% increase in property values. The upcoming November referendum directly impacts the long-term funding stability for local school programs.

The takeaway

Districts are increasingly relying on local property tax referendums to maintain operational levels as state reimbursement rates fail to keep pace with inflation. Residents should review the specific terms of the November referendum to understand how its approval or rejection affects local tax obligations.

What happens next

The school board will hold a budget hearing and vote on October 26, 2026. Following this, voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide on a four-year $158 million operational referendum.