Walworth Jt. School District #1 is expecting an increase in school taxes this year due to the state funding formula. This increase is due to rising property values and prior year declining enrollment, which shifts more of the funding burden to the local municipalities. This is the second year in a row that the District has seen a tax increase for the local community.
The District has been working hard over the past few years to keep the budget relatively flat by reducing staff in order to offset other rising costs.
This past spring the District sent out a community survey, facilitated by School Perceptions, to address the building improvement needs through a possible referendum. High cost items in the proposed plan included:
Improving school security
Repaving 35,000+ square feet of parking lot, play area, and bus drop off area
Addressing the drainage issues the school has had in the back field and play area
Replacing the aging playground perimeter
Repairing aging sidewalks
Replacing the concrete steps outside the old high school entrance
Tuck pointing the needed parts of the building
Reconfiguring the student drop off areas
Other areas identified as high need
The results of the community survey indicated that due to COVID-19, the recent athletic additions at Big Foot High School, and other reasons, this would not be a good time for the District to pursue a referendum. The District values this feedback from the community and, per their wishes, will not be going to referendum this November.
The District will continue working to keep costs down while maintaining the high level of service that the families of Walworth deserve.
For more information, please contact Phill Klamm, District Administrator, at Phill.Klamm@walworth.k12.wi.us.