(HUSTISFORD) Hustisford could lose its school district — and local control over what happens next — if voters reject a spring funding referendum.
District leaders say the April 7, 2026 vote carries long-term consequences. It would give the district time to reorganize. If it fails, it could open the door to dissolution talks.
Those concerns were front and center Monday night, when district leaders, key officials, and representatives from neighboring school districts gathered at Hustisford High School for a school district reorganization meeting.
The referendum would raise $1.875 million per year for two years to fund current programs, daily operations and building upkeep. It would also eliminate the district’s structural deficit and give school leaders time to explore consolidation options.
Without it, officials say the district’s financial position is among the most severe in the state.
“Have there been districts that have touched into the negative fund balance in the past? Yes,” said Michel Clark, managing director and public finance banker for Baird. “I don’t recall a district getting to the point with a negative fund balance Hustisford has.”
The district has already applied to borrow up to $4 million from the State Trust Fund Loan Program to cover short-term cash flow. That loan would act as a bridge if the referendum passes. If it fails, the money would still be needed to keep schools running while the district prepares for possible dissolution as early as fall 2027.
And dissolution is rare.
“It hasn’t happened in over 36 years,” said Bob Butler, executive director of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards. “There’s been a couple of districts that have been close to this. Most recent one was Palmyra-Eagle. But once you go down that pathway the local community doesn’t control it anymore. It goes to the state.”
The projected tax impact would be $8.79 per $1,000 of equalized property value in 2026-27 and $8.78 per $1,000 in 2027-28.
District leaders are holding several public presentations in March to explain the district’s financial situation and answer questions. The next one will be held March 18 at 6 p.m. at Hustisford Community Hall, March 19 at 6 p.m. at the Hustisford Community Library and March 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Hustisford Town Hall in Neosho.
District officials say dates and times may change and encourage people to check the district website for updates.
Click HERE for more information about the Hustisford School District referendum.
