Kenosha School Board Launches Community Survey to Gauge Support for Potential Referendum

Kenosha, WI (WLIP)–The Kenosha Unified School Board is set to launch a community survey this week to gather public input on a potential school referendum aimed at addressing funding challenges within the district.

At a recent board meeting, Brian Nichol, a consultant from the Donovan Group, provided detailed insights into the survey’s methodology and the board’s plans to ensure the public is informed and engaged throughout the process.

The survey, which opens Wednesday and will remain available until October 10, is designed to assess community support for a referendum question.

Nichol explained that responses will be weighted to better reflect the makeup of the voting population. “Families and staff tend to respond at a higher rate than other community members,” he said. “We adjust the results to ensure that the broader electorate’s views are accurately represented.”

The survey will offer multiple options for respondents, providing flexibility as the board considers different approaches to addressing district needs.

According to Nichol, past surveys conducted using similar methods have been able to predict election outcomes with 1-3% accuracy. “This weighting formula helps the board understand how the referendum might perform on election day,” he added.

In addition to the survey, the board is developing a comprehensive communications plan to keep the community informed.

The roadmap will guide the district’s outreach efforts, ensuring voters are well-educated about the referendum in the 70 days leading up to the election.

Nichol emphasized the importance of early engagement, saying, “The goal is to have every voter be an informed voter.”

The board is considering holding the referendum in February 2025.

If the measure does not pass, the next opportunity for a vote would not occur until February 2026.

The community survey is seen as a critical first step in determining the district’s path forward in addressing funding concerns.

The results of the survey will be presented at the school board’s October meeting.