November 2026 District Newsletter

As we continue our shared commitment to making Whitefish Bay School District an Exceptional Place to Work, this month’s update centers on supporting our staff, celebrating our team, and strengthening connections across our district. Below, you will find a spotlight on our new Director of Buildings & Grounds, Dan Thompson and updates on recent facility improvements.

Director Spotlight: Dan Thompson

This month, we are focusing on our goal of being an Exceptional Place to Work by checking in with Dan Thompson, our Director of Buildings & Grounds.

Facilities & Grounds Updates

In recent months, the Buildings & Grounds team has completed several projects around the district, enhancing our buildings and grounds for staff and families alike. Recent projects include replacing roof flashing at the High School, as well as taking on the ongoing task of maintaining outdoor areas as leaves continue to fall with an extra thank you to our Groundskeeper, Anthony Hanson.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students, schools, staff, and community.

Whitefish Bay residents will go to the polls today, Tuesday, November 3, to vote on a $90 million facilities referendum for our school district.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and you must bring a valid photo ID to vote. Polling locations in Whitefish Bay include:

• Whitefish Bay Public Library, 5420 N. Marlborough Dr. (Wards 1-4)

• Whitefish Bay Village Hall, 5300 Marlborough Dr. (Wards 5-6)

• Bay Shore Lutheran Church, 1200 E. Hampton Road (Wards 7, 9, 11)

• Cahill Square Park, 1001 E. Fairmount Ave. (Wards 8, 10, 12)

Click for a map of Polling Locations.

For election information, including registration policies and voter resources, visit the official MyVote Wisconsin Portal at myvote.wi.gov, or check the Village of Whitefish Bay’s election page at www.wfbvillage.gov/270/Election-Information.

If at least 50% of voters approve the proposed referendum, we will move forward with a series of capital improvement projects, including a multi-year plan to rebuild and renovate the century-old Middle School at its current site.

Referendum revenue would also support updates at the High School campus, including replacing failing HVAC systems and upgrading the fire sprinkler and alarm systems. Fire protection and alarm system updates are also planned at Cumberland and Richards Elementary Schools.

More information about the proposed referendum, including answers to FAQs and a property tax calculator, is available at www.wfbreferendum.org.

Director of Business Services, Mr. Ben Irwin, provides an overview of school funding in Wisconsin.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, "A district's revenue limit is the maximum amount of revenue that may be raised through state general aid and property tax for the General, Non-Referendum Debt and Capital Expansion Funds."

Each year, any increases to the revenue limit are determined by the state through the state budget process. Over the last decade, state funding has not kept pace with inflation making it challenging for public school districts to maintain programs and remain competitive in a challenging labor market. By state law, all public school districts must stay within the state imposed revenue limit each year.

The state provides funding for public schools primarily through state equalization aid. The property tax levy is determined by subtracting state equalization aid from the revenue limit.

At the Regular Business Meeting on October 27th, the School Board certified the 2026-27 tax levy. This certification is an adjustment to the levy approved at the Annual Meeting that was held on September 2nd. Variations between the amount approved at the Annual Meeting and the amount certified by the Board in October are due to multiple factors including enrollment, state aid, and the statewide private school voucher program.

As a result of a pending capital referendum question, the Board certified two options for the 2026-27 tax levy dependent on the outcome of the November 3rd referendum. The first option would be if the referendum is not approved and would set the levy amount at $20,698,776, which equates to a tax levy rate (mill rate) of $5.35. This rate would be a decrease of 76 cents compared to last year's rate of $6.11. The second option would be if the referendum is approved by the community and would set the levy amount at $27,381,301, which equates to a levy rate of $7.08, or a 97 cent increase compared to last year.

What has been communicated in the referendum informational materials is an estimated tax impact of $1.25 per $1,000 home value compared to the tax levy rate from 2025-26 if the project is approved. It has also been shared that the portion for the remaining outstanding debt payments included in the 2025-26 tax levy rate was 57 cents per $1,000 of home value. The primary reason why the amounts listed above differ from what has been included in the referendum materials is because property values across the community grew by 5.5% this year and, as a result, this will decrease the tax levy rate impact. However, since most of the property valuation growth was due to inflation, the tax impact due to the referendum should still be around $1.25 per $1,000 since the decrease in rate would be offset by higher home values.

Beyond the referendum, there are also other factors that have had an impact on the tax levy including enrollment, state aid, and private school vouchers. The factor that had the most significant impact on the 2026-27 tax levy was the 2025-27 State Biennial Budget that included a $325 per pupil increase to the revenue limit, but no aid to support that increase.

Come hear about each one of our school’s continuous improvement efforts at each of the Annual School Reports. All School Reports will take place at the High School LMC at 7PM.

Each of our schools has developed and refined a school improvement plan aimed at ensuring an aligned and collective commitment around all students' learning and growing in a supportive and caring environment.

• • High School, December 16
  • Richards, January 13
  • Cumberland, February 10
  • Middle School, March 10

The School Board and School District invite you to attend School Board Meetings. Board meetings begin at 7PM in the High School Library Media Center, unless noted otherwise.

• November 11 -- Regular Business Meeting
• November 18 - Business & Committee Meetings

Subject to change. Please view BoardDocs for up to date meeting notices and agendas.

Curious about what is discussed at School Board Meetings? Linked below, you'll find key takeaways from the most recent School Board Meetings. Additional information can be found in BoardDocs.

• October 7 Board Meeting Takeaways
• October 27 Board Meeting Takeaways

Cumberland students are building confidence, strengthening their reading skills, and exploring new worlds as they read independently! See more photos.

The RecGram is the weekly newsletter shared by the Recreation & Community Education Department. Visit their webpage for recent newsletters!

Email: districtnews@wfbschools.com
Website: https://www.wfbschools.com/
Location: 1200 East Fairmount Avenue
Phone: 414-963-3921
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WFBSchools/