Voters Reject Multiple School Referendums in Wisconsin Elections

In recent elections across Wisconsin, voters rejected multiple school district referendums aimed at funding improvements and operational expenses. The Arrowhead Union School District saw a significant defeat of its $136.2 million referendum with 63% voting against it, marking the second rejection in less than a year after a previous $261.2 million proposal was also turned down. Similarly, Mercer County voters declined a referendum for improvements at Mercer County High School with a close margin of 1,247 no votes to 1,098 yes votes. In Wausau, voters rejected an operational funding referendum of $8 million per year for five years, which was aimed at covering non-recurring operational expenses and capital improvements. The outcomes reflect growing skepticism among taxpayers regarding school funding requests, influenced by past spending controversies and broader political dynamics, including high-profile elections such as the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Judge Susan Crawford's victory over Brad Schimel in this pivotal judicial election may have also driven voter turnout and influenced referendum outcomes.