Pioneer Family Update -Week 10
School District Of Westfield
Dear Pioneer Families
Welcome to Week 10!
We hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are looking forward to a fabulous week ahead.
As you plan your week, please remember to exercise your right to vote on November 3rd. This November ballot includes many important questions. Including the District's non-recurring operational referendum question seeking $1.4 million per year for five years. You can find more information below in this virtual newsletter, visit our website, or reach out with any questions about the referendum.
For more voter information, go to www.myvote.wi.gov to:
- Find your polling place
- See what’s on your ballot
- Register to vote
- Request your absentee ballot
- Questions: Contact your local town or village clerk for follow-up information or further details. Vote on Election Day, November 3, 2026, between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Kind regards,
Michelle Johnson
District Administrator
Non-recurring operational referendum information:
On the Tuesday, November 3, 2026 election ballot, residents in the School District of Westfield will vote on a non-recurring operational referendum seeking $1.4 million per year for five years.
The referendum would maintain the essentials our residents expect schools to provide:
Reading. Writing. Math. Career skills. Strong teachers. Safe schools.
Reliable transportation. Well-maintained buildings.
This referendum is not about expanding programs or funding wants. It’s about maintaining our existing student educational programs and preserving the financial stability of our district.
For decades, our district has stretched every dollar and trimmed operational costs to avoid coming to taxpayers. However, we have reached a point where cuts alone cannot close our growing budget deficit. The gap is caused by rising costs and state aid that has not kept up with inflation.
The $1.4 million request is a fiscally conservative approach — one that is less than our need but will help balance our budget.
🎓 STUDENT LEARNING: Back to the basics. Forward to careers.
Prepare all students for what’s next, from the “3 Rs” with help for struggling learners, to skills for trades, college & jobs at home & beyond.
🚌 ESSENTIAL OPERATIONS: Staff. Transportation. Utilities. Safety.
Keep high-performing teachers & staff & maintain basic services; replacing aging buses to safely transport students across ~300 miles.
💲 RESPONSIBLE BUDGETING: Plan ahead. Maintain. Spend wisely.
Budget for curriculum, technology needs, bus replacement & ongoing maintenance instead of waiting for problems to become emergencies.
🌐 https://www.westfield.k12.wi.us/page/vote
#StudentLearning #EssentialOperations #ResponsibleBudgeting #PioneerNation
What's the Tax Impact of a Passed Referendum?
If approved, the estimated school property tax impact would be 50 cents per $1,000 of fair market property value. The current tax rate for the School District of Westfield is $5.85 per $1,000 — well below the K-12 state average of $7.09. Under the referendum, the estimated tax rate of $6.35 would remain lower than the state average.
Here is the estimated referendum tax impact on property values:
🏡 $100,000 home: $50 per year or $4.17 per month
🏡 $200,000 home: $100 per year or $8.33 per month
🏡 $300,000 home: $150 per year or $12.50 per month
🏡 $400,000 home: $200 per year or $16.67 per month
🏡 $500,000 home: $250 per year or $20.83 per month
We know that money is tight. Families and seniors are paying more and making difficult choices. Our schools are facing those same rising costs. In the past two years alone, the district has cut $820,650 of recurring expenses from our budget.
Listen. Ask questions. Get the facts. Make up your own mind.
Learn more: westfield.k12.wi.us/page/operational-referendum-2026-nov
Submit questions: bit.ly/sdw-referendum
#StudentLearning #EssentialOperations #ResponsibleBudgeting #PioneerNation
