Fox Point-Bayside district sets referendum wheels in motion

Fox Point - In an effort to combat past and potential reductions to the district's revenue limit, the Fox Point-Bayside School Board set plans in motion Monday night which could ultimately bring a referendum to voters next spring to supplement the district's operational budget.

The proposed referendum would aim to provide between $500,000 and $600,000 annually to the district over a 10 year period, though School Board members advised the higher figure.

Fox Point-Bayside has seen an approximate $662,000 decrease in its revenue limit since the 2010-2011 school year, and has used its fund balance to cover operational costs. Officials said that, without the referendum money, the fund balance will run out and the district would have to reduce staffing or services to balance the budget.

"The education we provide will change dramatically if we don't find another source of revenue," said School Board President Michael Weiss.

Having received preliminary approval from the School Board, district administrative staff will return with a fleshed out referendum proposal for the board at its August meeting.