Get The Facts

On June 24, 2024, the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Board of Education approved two referenda questions, one for facilities and one for operations, that will appear on the November 5, 2024 ballot. Learn more about the referenda questions here.

• MMSD has made significant strides thanks to the critical public school investments our community made in November 2020. Key accomplishments include the implementation of the all day and half day 4K program at more than half of our schools and the modernization of our four comprehensive high schools. These were necessary initiatives made possible by the community's support and have been critical investments for students, teachers, and staff. Now, we’re presented with a new opportunity to bolster these investments that will not only support our public schools, but also our growing city. 

• Over the last decade, because of strict revenue limits, state revenue to MMSD has not kept pace with inflation, causing a $20.8 million budget gap in 2023-24. What’s more, a 31% state special education reimbursement has resulted in a $66.4 million MMSD funding gap this year alone. However, MMSD is not alone with this challenge. With little or no annual revenue growth to meet student needs, school districts all across Wisconsin are making the tough choice either to implement devastating cuts or turn to their communities for support. 

• Our students, teachers, and staff have shown resilience in the face of this divestment, but now it is essential to fully fund what they, and our city, need to succeed. The $100 million over four years proposed MMSD operating referendum would allow the District to prioritize: 

• Attraction and retention of world-class educators who are essential to our students’ academic success.

• Investment in all day 4k and early learning programs, a pillar on which many of MMSD’s equity projects are built, ensuring every child receives a strong foundation.

• Ensure access to behavioral and mental health services that students and families may not otherwise be able to receive.

• Bolster multilingual education programs, embracing diversity and preparing students for a globalized world.

• The Madison community continues to grow at the fastest rate in Wisconsin, all while one-time pandemic relief funding is set to expire. Some of MMSD’s buildings are over 60 years old and not accessible for all students. It's necessary to address these critical safety concerns for the health of our students, teachers, and staff. The $507 million over 20 years proposed MMSD facilities referendum would allow MMSD to: 

• Renovate, build, or make additions to the following buildings:

• Malcolm Shabazz City High School

• Milele Chikasa Anana Elementary School

• Black Hawk Middle School

• Cherokee Heights Middle School

• Crestwood Elementary School

• Samuel Gompers Elementary School

• Orchard Ridge Elementary School

• Ray F. Sennett Middle School

• Sherman Middle School

• Akira R. Toki Middle School
  
  The District will develop a unique modernization plan for each building. Plans will include, modernizing buildings into the 21st Century by including air conditioning and heating improvements, ensuring accessibility, and investments in STEM labs, libraries, cafeterias, spaces for the arts, and shared community spaces.