McFarland School District

This is an informal opportunity to learn, ask questions, share ideas, and connect with your elected School Board members.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 13 | 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: McFarland High School Cafeteria

Come learn more about what’s happening across the District, including school funding, District priorities, and other important topics. Ask questions, share your perspective, and help us continue to get better.

Whether you’d like to join the conversation or simply listen and learn, everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!

Ever wonder how school funding actually works, and why so many districts across Wisconsin, including McFarland, are feeling the strain?

Here’s what we want you to know: We are committed to being fiscally responsible. Our team is constantly working to reduce expenses and identify new revenue opportunities, all while protecting the quality of education our students receive. We understand that taxes are high, and we take seriously our responsibility to find savings wherever possible.

Understanding School Funding

School funding can be complicated. Here are a few important things to know:

• Since 2009, state funding has not kept pace with inflation, creating a funding gap of more than $3,500 per student.

• Wisconsin’s ranking in per-student spending has fallen from 11th to 26th nationally.

• At its simplest, Wisconsin's school funding formula is: Revenue Limit – State Aid = Property Tax Levy. Enrollment, property values, state aid, and other factors all affect the final amount.

• The state budget allows districts to increase their revenue limit by $325 per student, but provides no additional general state aid to help fund that increase. As a result, more of the responsibility shifts to local property taxpayers.

• McFarland currently estimates a 10% increase in the school property tax levy for 2026-27. The impact on individual property owners will vary based on property values and other factors.

• The state increased special education reimbursement, which is welcome support, although it does not fully keep pace with the rising costs of providing these services.

• McFarland taxpayers contribute more than $260,000 each year to support students from around the state attending private/voucher schools through Wisconsin's school funding system.

Responsible Stewardship

We know our community makes a significant investment in its schools, and we take seriously our responsibility to use those resources wisely.

About 80% of our budget supports employee compensation. At the same time, we continue to reduce costs and identify revenues that do not rely on local property taxes.

Recent efforts include:

• More than $600,000 in budget improvements through expense reductions and increased revenues last year.

• Growing revenues from open enrollment, Wisconsin Virtual Academies (WVA), and interest earnings, helping offset the impact of declining resident enrollment.

• Cost savings through our health insurance agreement, reduced energy use, staffing adjustments, technology efficiencies, and reductions in staff extended contracts and overloads.

• Continuing to operate with more than $1.2 million in reductions made in 2024.

• Entering the third and final year of the voter-approved operational referendum phase-in, providing $1.75 million above the state revenue limit to support staff salaries and benefits.

Despite the challenging state funding environment, our current 2026-27 projections show a balanced operating budget. We will continue refining these estimates as final enrollment, property values, and state aid become available this fall.

Learn more at our district finances webpage page

Welcome to McFarland!

We’re excited to welcome 19 talented new certified staff members to our school community! This group includes McFarland graduates and residents, educators beginning their careers, and experienced professionals. Together, they bring an impressive 150 years of experience in education to McFarland!

Did you know that there any many opportunities for the community to use the amazing facilities that you've helped build here at McFarland Schools? Check out the below link for classes like adult woodworking and freezer meal workshops to getting active at adult open gym times, lap swim at the Angie O'Donnell Aquatic Center, and morning walks at MHS!

Looking for a low-impact workout to kickstart your fitness routine? Join us at the pool for a 1-hour Water Exercise class! Whether you are looking to build strength, boost endurance, or simply enjoy a fun workout, we have a spot in the pool for you.

• No Pre-Registration Required: Just drop in whenever it fits your schedule!

• Ages 13 & Up Welcome: Great for teens, working adults, and older adults

• Flexible Workouts:

  • Monday & Wednesday Evenings: Shallow end workouts

  • Saturday Mornings: Deep water workouts

Ready to Jump In?

Punch cards can be purchased in advance online or right on the pool deck with a Lifeguard/Manager. Daily fees and guest passes are available for purchase at the pool as well!

Looking for a refreshing way to stay active, build strength, and meet great people? Join us for Fun & Fitness, a water exercise program tailored specifically for adults ages 55 and over! It is the perfect blend of low-impact movement, guided exercise, and social time.

• No Pre-Registration Required: Drop in whenever it fits your morning routine!

• Flexible Class Format:

  • First 30 Minutes: Unstructured swim and water exercise—go at your own pace or catch up with friends!

  • Final 15 Minutes: An optional, instructor-led workout to finish strong.

• Schedule: Most Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays.

How to Join:

Memberships and punch cards are available for purchase online, or you can buy them directly on the pool deck with a Lifeguard or Manager.

Pickleball is sweeping the nation, and there is no better time to get in on the action or sharpen your skills than this fall! We are excited to offer two specialized outdoor clinics at William McFarland Park designed for different skill levels. Whether you are picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to dominate your next match, we have a spot for you.

🟢 Pickleball 101 (Beginners)

If you are brand new to the game or just want to learn the official rules, scoring, and basic mechanics, this is the perfect starting point.

• Ages: Adults (18+)

• Date: Wednesday, September 9th

• Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

• Fee: Resident $35.00 / Non-Resident $45.50

• Registration Deadline: August 31st

🔵 Serve & Return Clinic (Intermediate / Advanced)

Ready to take your competitive edge to the next level? This clinic focuses specifically on perfecting two of the most critical shots in the game to help you control the court.

• Ages: Adults (18+)

• Date: Wednesday, September 23rd

• Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

• Fee: Resident $25.00 / Non-Resident $32.50

• Registration Deadline: September 8th

💻 How to Register

Spaces on the courts are limited to ensure quality instruction, so don't wait to lock in your spot!

Sign up today: Head over to MRAPNews.com to register online.

MRAP Line Dancing is returning this fall! Whether you're a complete beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned dancer who just loves to move, our classes are designed for everyone. Join us in the McFarland High School Multipurpose Room for easy steps, great music, and incredibly good vibes. Choose the session that works for you, or sign up for all three to keep the momentum going!

🗓️ Upcoming Fall Sessions:

All classes take place on Tuesdays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM:

• September Session (Sept. 1st, 15th, 22nd, and 29th)

  • Fee: $40.00 Resident | $52.00 Non-Resident

• October Session (Oct. 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th)

  • Fee: $40.00 Resident | $52.00 Non-Resident

• November Session (Nov. 10th, 17th, and 24th)

  • Fee: $30.00 Resident | $39.00 Non-Resident

💻 How to Register for a Full Session:

Securing your spot is easy! You can sign up online or give us a call:

• Online: Visit MRAPNews.com

• Phone: Call us at 608-838-4666

Looking to just try it out? Single-class drop-in options are always available!

• Drop-in Fee: $10.00 Resident | $13.00 Non-Resident
• Just show up 5 minutes before class starts and we'll take care of the rest!
• Footwear with leather or composite soles are recommended (bowling shoes work great!)

Round up your friends and mosey on over to MRAPNews.com to sign up today! 🌵🎵

• First Day of Classes for K-6 and 9-12 - September 1
• First Day of Classes for 4K, 7, and 8 - September 2
• No School - September 7 - Labor Day
• First Day of Classes for EC - September 8
• School Board Meeting - September 14 - MHS District Office Board Room
• No School - September 25 - Staff Development Day
• School Board Meeting - October 5 - MHS District Office Board Room
• School Board Community Engagement Session - October 13 - 6 p.m. MHS Cafeteria
• McFarland PTO Trunk or Treat - October 17
• School Board Annual Meeting Budget Hearing - October 26 - MHS District Office Board Room
• School Board Meeting - October 26 - MHS District Office Board Room
• No School - October 29 - Staff Development Day
• No School - October 30 - Conference Release Day
• School Board Meeting - November 2 - MHS District Office Board Room
• MHS Fall Play - November 5-8 - MHS Black Box Theatre

Saturday, September 19 at 7 pm

Sunday September 20 at 2 pm

You don’t want to miss this unique historic fashion show gala event at the McFarland Performing Arts Center's black box theater. Benefitting the non-profit Larson House Museum and Gardens, this all-ages event features stunning and historically accurate costumes crafted by McFarland costume designer Dennis Schell, of “Costumes by Schell.”

From multi-layered Tudor court attire of the 1550 to the refined glamor of the 1920s, you will learn a little about each era and the evolution of fashion from one era to the next. Each garment is meticulously researched and constructed from undergarments to outer accessories to reflect historical accuracy and craftsmanship. Dennis often works for a solid year to create a single costume!

Enjoy the collaborative talents of McFarland residents and students, many who volunteered to assist with sewing the costumes, to serve as makeup artists, or to perform as models, ushers, and artists at the event.

Choose from two live shows, a Saturday evening or Sunday matinee. Seating is limited; reserve your tickets early.

This Historic Fashion Show promises to be an unforgettable experience, and you won’t want to miss it!

More information, including ways to sponsor this event, at:

McFarlandHistorical.org

• McFarland Primary School 838-3146
• Waubesa Intermediate School 838-7667
• Indian Mound Middle School 838-8980
• McFarland High School 838-3166
• District Office 838-3169

Click the link below to visit out website Volunteering page to complete a form.

Click the link below to visit our Classmunity page for information on fundraising campaigns you may be interest in supporting.

Take a look at these great moments from Ms. Presser's summer school class, where students built new skills and had lots of fun along the way. Thank you to Ms. Presser for sharing these wonderful snapshots of learning in action!

#McFarlandStrong

Our WIS students in Ms. Hawthorne's summer school writing class recently wrote letters to their future 8th grade selves. Students shared their favorite memories, asked themselves questions, wrote about vacations and adventures, and even included drawings to look back on years from now.

What a fun way to reflect and create a keepsake they'll treasure when they're reunited with their letters in middle school.

#McFarlandStrong

Our Administrative team rolled up their sleeves for a team-building cooking experience led by MHS Family & Consumer Science teacher Kelsey Palmer to begin their strategic planning kickoff meeting. It was a fun way to strengthen connections, build collaboration, and start the year with a shared recipe for success.

Here's to a great year ahead for McFarland Schools!

#McFarlandStrong

The McFarland School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (Protected Classes) in any of its student program and activities.