SHELL LAKE, WI -- After voters rejected an operational referendum earlier this year, the Shell Lake School Board has approved a new funding question that will appear on the April 7, 2026 ballot, according to a press release from the Shell Lake School District on Thursday.
PRESS RELEASE
On Monday, December 15th, the School District of Shell Lake Board of Education approved an operational referendum question that will be on the ballot Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
If a simple majority of voters approve the measure, the district will have the ability to exceed its revenue limit by $650,000 annually through the end of the 2029-30 school year. These funds would be used to support operational expenses.
"The proposed operational referendum is essential to sustaining the high-quality education our students deserve and our community expects," said Superintendent Todd Felhofer. "This funding would provide ongoing financial support to maintain classroom programs, retain dedicated staff, and continue meeting the academic, social, and extracurricular needs for the next four years."
Like many school districts in Wisconsin, Shell Lake faces financial challenges stemming from rising costs, declining enrollment, and insufficient state aid. The district's state-mandated revenue limit is more than $200,000 less today than in 2010-11. If state aid had kept pace with inflation since 2009, the district would receive approximately $3,300 more per student.
The School District of Shell Lake is forecasting annual budget shortfalls through 2030 of up to $763,000.
Last year, the district spent more than $800,000 from its general fund to cover special education costs because the state reimbursed less than one-third of the expenses.
See also: Wisconsin Property Taxes Are Soaring And The Northwoods Is Paying the Price
Without an approved operational referendum in April, district officials will be forced to consider reducing programs and services for students, reducing staff, increasing class sizes, limiting or eliminating some extracurricular activities, and delaying maintenance projects.
Operational referendums are common in Wisconsin. More than 80% of the state's school districts have held operational referendums in the past 15 years, including 61 alone in April 2025. More than half of districts have received voter approval to exceed their revenue limit in the past decade.
The School District of Shell Lake will soon launch a webpage with information about its needs and the proposed referendum, along with answers to frequently asked questions. More information will also be posted on the district's social media platforms and shared via other communication channels through election day.
Last Update: Dec 19, 2025 7:15 am CST
