Ashland School District Passes Referendum, Maintaining Current Programs

ASHLAND, Wis. — After a failed vote in November, the Ashland School District approved of a referendum which looks to increase funding by $10 million over the next 5 years avoiding looming staff cuts.

According to the school district’s superintendent, Rob Prater, the referendum passed unofficially.

The referendum will give the school district $2 million per year until the 2030-31 school year. The district plans to maintain all current programing for students.

Funds would also help the district cover increased utilities, transportation, and supplies cost.

If the referendum didn’t pass, the district would look at cutting up to 15 staff which would have included support and some classroom staff.

“It’s a big win for the community, for our students and our staff. We won’t be cutting those positions that support students that are behind in math and reading,” said Prater. “We won’t be cutting positions that support students when they’re having behavior difficulties and we don’t need to talk about cutting arts programming. We’re one of the few districts in northern Wisconsin that has orchestra for our students. We believe we’ll be able to maintain what we offer; a wide variety of co-curriculars, from sports and arts, music programs. And we believe we’ll be able to maintain, if not all of those, at least most.”

Staff at the School District of Ashland has experienced a pay freeze for the last 6 years and is considered one of the lowest salaries for school districts in northern Wisconsin.

The passing of the referendum will also increase staff wages by 4% each year, which helps offer competitive wages compared to other local districts.

“Most districts get about a cost of living increase each year, and that’s usually in the three range,” said Prater. “So we’re trying to to beat that a little bit each year to try and catch up. But we honestly think we’ll still have be a little bit on the low side on wages after five years.”

The votes will certified by a local canvassing board by this upcoming Monday. The Ashland School Board will ratify final approval on April 21.