May 27, 2024 11:55a; Updated 5-29
Update: Board voted 6-1 to approve contract
(WGTD0---The Kenosha School Board may move a step closer to authorizing an operational referendum this fall. Up for consideration at Tuesday night's school board meeting is a proposal to hire a consultant to carry out various referendum planning and advance services.
The Milwaukee-based Donovan Group says it’s worked with hundreds of school districts in surveying voters, drafting referendum proposals and planning community engagement efforts, including designing mailers.
School districts around the state have been forced to seek permission from voters to exceed state mandated levy limits in order to erase budget deficits.
In documents prepared for the meeting, Donavan says its referendum strategy is to advise districts on how to increase levels of dialogue and trust with voters.
In Kenosha Unified, closing a number of schools and consolidating enrollments did not completely close a budget gap.
Last April, voters in the Milwaukee Public School district narrowly approved a $252 million referendum.
KUSD’s proposed contract with Donovan would cost $36,000.
Based on the documents, it appears the KUSD referendum, if approved by the board, would be placed on the November ballot.
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