Fate of $10 Million Nicolet Referendum up to Voters Tuesday

Nicolet School District voters will have more to consider on Tuesday than which candidates to pick for School Board, county executive or state Supreme Court.

They'll also have to decide whether to back the school district's referendum, which calls for allowing the district to raise its state-imposed revenue cap by $2.15 million annually over the next five years.

If the referendum and Gov. Scott Walker's budget passes, a taxpayer with a home valued at $250,000 would see an extra $68.29 on their property tax bill, roughly $5.69 per month. 

But if the referendum does not pass, officials say the district is looking at deep cuts, roughly $1.3 million per year for the next five years, totaling $6.5 million.

According to a FAQ page on Nicolet's website, if the referendum and Walker's budget fails, there will be reductions in program offerings, classroom supplies and material, technology and teaching staff – which would increase class sizes.

A referendum support group, called , has been holding regular meetings to organize literature drops, going door-to-door explaining why Nicolet needs a referendum and making phone calls to remind people to vote.

Patch has received numerous letters to the editor taking both sides of the referendum issue. But while many are for the referendum, there are many also against.

Many of those who oppose the referendum say it's not the right time to ask the residents to pay more in taxes. School Board member that she believes it may be better to utilize the schools fund balance before asking for more money.

A of Fox Point says he believes teachers are still getting paid too much.

In contrast, another . He talks about all the theater productions people love, and how they will suffer if the referendum does not pass.