(HUSTISFORD) Hustisford schools could shut down in the next few years after voters rejected a $3.75 million referendum Tuesday meant to keep classrooms running during a planned consolidation.
Unofficial results show 861 people voted no, while 612 voted yes. The money would have helped cover programs, daily operations and debt for the next two years.
Now, the school board is moving toward dissolving the district by the 2027-28 school year, unless leaders can fast-track a consolidation with another district. Under dissolution, the state would reassign students and shift property taxes to neighboring districts.
In the meantime, leaders say they’re juggling two urgent priorities: planning for a possible shutdown while still keeping classrooms on track next year.
“Our immediate needs are what are we going to do for this coming school year,” Interim Superintendent Todd Bugnacki said. “We still have the 2026-27 school year to tend to and make certain our kids have a good experience during that time.”
District leaders have already started meeting with state officials, attorneys and finance experts. One option on the table would send students to neighboring districts through temporary tuition agreements during the transition.
Bugnacki called the situation “precarious” and said work is already underway to make sure students can continue getting a strong education, even if it happens outside Hustisford.
School board leaders say they’re also trying to bring the community together as they plan for a future that may not include a local public school — ending a tradition that stretches back 175 years.
