This message was emailed to MCPASD families and staff on Aug. 12, 2026.
Dear MCPASD Families and Staff,
I am writing to share an important update following the August 10 Board of Education meeting. The Board approved placing an operational referendum question on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 3, 2026, election.
In this video, I talk with Board President Bob Hesselbein about the Board’s decision, the option that was selected, and what it means for our District. If you prefer reading rather than watching, this is a transcript of the video.
If approved by voters, the referendum would allow MCPASD to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit through a four-year, non-recurring operational referendum. The proposal would provide $24.9 million in the 2027–28 school year, with annual increases to help keep pace with inflation, reaching $34.6 million by the 2030–31 school year.
The proposal builds on the District's current operational referendum by continuing that funding while accounting for the increasing cost of operating schools over the next four years.
Based on current projections, the estimated tax impact for a property with a fair market value of $100,000 would gradually increase over the four-year period, reaching approximately $64 annually by the fourth year.
If approved, the referendum would allow the District to continue prioritizing the areas community members identified as most important:
Maintaining safe and secure learning environments
Preserving low and competitive class sizes that support personalized learning
Maintaining current curricular, co-curricular, athletic, music, and extracurricular opportunities
Attracting and retaining outstanding teachers and staff through competitive salaries and benefits
Continuing to invest in facility maintenance, sustainability initiatives, and district infrastructure
Like all public school districts in Wisconsin, we operate under a state-imposed revenue limit established in 1993. This system restricts the amount of funding schools receive through a combination of state aid and local property taxes, and it has not kept pace with inflation or the rising cost of educating students. Approximately 94% of the district's operating revenue is determined by the state's funding formula, leaving districts with limited flexibility to respond to rising costs.
Over the past several months, the Board has carefully reviewed the District's long-term financial outlook while seeking input from our community through school funding presentations, a community survey, and ongoing public discussions. The referendum proposal reflects the Board's effort to balance the District's financial needs with the impact on taxpayers while continuing to support the educational opportunities our students and families value.
We have several resources to help families and community members learn more about the Board's decision, the financial challenges facing our District, and what this referendum means for our schools. We invite you to visit our web page to learn more about the referendum.
In addition, District leaders will host a series of informational meetings to provide opportunities for the community to learn and ask questions. Our first District informational sessions will be:
Middleton High School – Performing Arts Center on Sept. 17, 2026, from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
2100 Bristol Street, Middleton, WI 53562
Park Elementary School - Cafetorium on Sept. 30, 2026, from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
1209 Park Street, Cross Plains, WI 53528
I will also be meeting with PTO groups, MCPASD staff, neighborhood organizations, civic groups, and other community organizations. For dates and times for additional community sessions, visit our web page and follow our social media channels.
We are committed to keeping our community informed and engaged throughout this process, and we encourage you to stay connected, ask questions, and learn more about what this referendum means for our District’s future.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for your ongoing support of our students, staff, and schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dana Monogue
Superintendent