Watch: KUSD Board Continues Work Towards Operational Referendum For 2025-26 Year

Kenosha, WI (WLIP)–Kenosha school district officials are discussing referendum options to address a looming $19 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year.

The deficit is mainly due to fewer state funds due to lower enrollment but is also affected by the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds.

The school board is considering both a referendum to support academic programs, safety enhancements, and to avoid significant cuts.

KUSD Superintendent Dr. Jeffery Weiss said that the outcome would be crucial in determining the district’s financial stability and ability to maintain quality education.

If such a referendum were to fail, the district would need to make even more significant cuts than the ones made following the 2023-24 year which closed several schools and trimmed operations at the Educational Support Center.

A community survey could be used to gauge support for placing a referendum on the ballot.

The board did not take any action on the referendum at this week’s meeting.