February 2025
Each time school districts go to the taxpayers with a referendum request, an inevitable question is, “What happens if the referendum fails?” The answer to that question is largely dependent on the school board which ultimately approves the budget.
School district officials constantly claim a disaster will occur if more taxpayer dollars do not come into the district. The scare tactic is effective and even referendums failing on the first request often get approved on the second try.
Evidence to the contrary of the ‘gloom and doom’ forecast by administrators is not readily available since most referendums pass. However, we, and indeed the state, can look for at least one case study right here in Rock County.
Through educational efforts about the candidates driven by Rock County First, the Beloit School District board of education experienced a leadership change in 2024. In the midst of a failed referendum cycle, this change has been encouraging.
In the face of the dire cries from administration that money would solve the problems, the new board chose planning over panic. They implemented a series of student-focused goals for this year along with a budget that prioritized the classroom. The board recognized the importance of good conduct by students and reinstated independent oversight of student disciplinary matters. Most importantly, the board took their responsibility for budgeting to new levels, cutting wasteful programs and requiring board oversight of staffing changes. The board also chose to skip another referendum push last fall in order to adequately analyze the district’s situation.
These changes by board leadership are encouraging. This Spring’s referendum request, formulated by this board, had far more analysis and thought than previous requests. Voters will be tasked with deciding if the value proposition presented is worth the tax increase. At the same time, we will be tasked with deciding if the current school board is leading in the right direction in Beloit.
Voters in the Beloit School District will have one open seat to fill along with two incumbent seats. I’d suggest the momentum of responsible and bold, new leadership should be maintained. As always, however, it is up to the voters. As it should be.
==========================================================
RCF’s Mission: Empower the citizens of Rock County to preserve liberty through education and government accountability.
To learn more about the Spring election and RCF Political Fund-endorsed candidates, please visit the RCF Spring Election hub. Be sure to share this information with friends and family!
Early voting begins March 18th and the election is April 1st!
Remember, lowering educational standards does not improve educational outcomes, new leadership will!
