Williams Bay parents relieved after voters choose to continue school operating referendum

WILLIAMS BAY, Wis. — Williams Bay is the only school district out of four in Walworth County where voters approved a school referendum. However, both parents and administrators believe the state education funding model needs to change. TMJ4 "I don't think it should have to be our responsibility to understand these funding formulas fully just to support public education," said Williams Bay parent Stacey McDonald. TMJ4 "Nobody likes going out to do presentations to try and sell your school," added Williams Bay Schools superintendent William White. "In a way, it feels like you're begging for money." TMJ4 57 percent of Williams Bay voters approved the school operating referendum extension, which provides approximately $10 million for staff and programs over four school years. The approval does not raise taxes in Williams Bay, but continues the referendum rate approved by voters in 2023. TMJ4 Parents such as McDonald and Tom Keefe tried to educate the community and explain the state's funding formula through a Facebook page in support of the referendum. "It's getting to people, talking to them, and trying to simplify what is a very complicated issue down to something they really did understand," Keefe said. TMJ4 "It seems like referendums are the state's solution to filling funding gaps," McDonald said. "I think once that's communicated, communities are more willing to vote yes." TMJ4 The surrounding Walworth County communities all voted no. Whitewater's and Delavan-Darien's school referendums were narrowly defeated, while the Woods School's operating referendum failed by just a single vote. Both parents and administrators hope state legislators tweak the education funding formula so major budget decisions are not always left in the public's hands. TMJ4 "I would love for some changes to the funding system so that we don't have to do these," White said. "Politicians in the state: Sort this out so that this doesn't need to happen," Keefe said. Let's talk: Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we're all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips. Name Email Phone number Story you're commenting on Message Verification: Submit It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device. Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more. Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip