School District of Westfield

Dear Pioneer Families,

As spring unfolds across our district, it brings with it a whirlwind of activity and excitement. From track meets, baseball games, and musical performances to academic assessments, field trips, and the growing anticipation of graduation and summer break—this time of year is filled with energy, celebration, and reflection. While we enjoy these important moments that mark the close of another school year, we are also hard at work behind the scenes planning for the future—specifically, the 2025-26 school year. That planning includes facing some difficult financial realities and making decisions to ensure our district remains sustainable while continuing to provide meaningful educational experiences for all students.

Across the State of Wisconsin, public school districts continue to face increasing financial pressures caused by state-imposed revenue limits that have not kept pace with inflation for well over a decade. As a result, districts across the state are turning to their communities for financial assistance through referendum questions. In April 2024 alone, 82 referendum questions were presented to voters statewide. In November 2024, that number grew to over 120. And just this month, in April 2025, 81 school districts brought forward 89 referendum questions. Wisconsin has 421 school districts—meaning nearly 20% of all districts sought referendum support this spring alone.

Unfortunately, the School District of Westfield is not immune to these financial challenges. While we are grateful that our community approved a capital/facilities referendum in November 2024 to address our most urgent building and maintenance and safety needs, that referendum did not provide any additional funding to support the day-to-day operational costs of running our schools.

Despite years of responsible budgeting and reductions, we are now facing a significant projected budget deficit. Our goal remains to offer high-quality programs and learning opportunities that meet the needs of all students, but doing so within our current financial limitations requires additional cuts.

At the April 17 Board of Education meeting, the following staff reductions were approved to help address the projected shortfall:

• Reduction from two Spanish teachers to one 6-12 Spanish teacher
  

• Reduction from two Choir teachers to one 6-12 Choir teacher
  

• Reduction from two Band teachers to one 6-12 Band teacher
  

• Possible reduction of one 4K teacher due to low enrollment
  

• Reduction of one Middle/High School Math teacher
  

• Reduction of one secretary position
  
  

Some of these reductions were made possible through attrition (retirements, resignation etc.), while others require notices of non-renewals due to budget constraints. These decisions are not made lightly. We recognize and value the contributions of every staff member and know that these changes impact students, families, and the broader school community.

In addition to staffing reductions, we are also taking proactive steps to improve efficiency and equity across the district. One such effort involves working to balance elementary class sizes among our three elementary schools—Coloma, Oxford, and Westfield. For the second year in a row, Westfield families received a letter asking if they would consider sending their child to Coloma Elementary, where enrollment is currently lower, especially in 5K, 1st, and 2nd grades.

These early school years are essential for building strong academic and social-emotional foundations. By seeking voluntary reassignments to Coloma, we are hoping to create more balanced class sizes and consistent learning environments for all students while making the best use of our existing staff and resources.

As always, we appreciate the ongoing support and partnership of our community. These times require difficult decisions, but we remain committed to doing everything we can to serve students well while being responsible stewards of our district’s resources.

Respectfully,

Michelle Johnson
District Administrator
School District of Westfield