Vote YES for BASD

04/02/2025

The passage of this operating referendum would not have been possible without the collective efforts of this community and our supporters. Whatever your contribution to the success of this referendum, we see you and appreciate you. Truly.

Every conversation you engaged in, event you attended, dollar donated, yard sign placed, text message sent, letter to the editor written, post shared — it all led to a successful referendum, at last!

We are encouraged by the community’s support of our public schools and excited for the future of BASD. Opportunities will remain in place for the students in this district, which means a brighter future for us all — because of you!

With the utmost gratitude,
The Vote YES for BASD Committee 🧡🖤

04/02/2025

A more heartfelt sentiment of appreciation to come tomorrow, but for tonight…

WE DID IT!!! 🎉🧡🎉🖤🎉

04/01/2025

🚨 There’s still time to VOTE YES for BASD today!🚨

Polls are open until 8:00pm!

Find your polling location here: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Find-My-Polling-Place

04/01/2025

Today is Election Day! Polls are open NOW to 8:00 pm today. Be sure to cast your ballot and make your YES vote count!

Find your polling place at http://myvote.wi.gov/

03/31/2025

These cuts can be prevented. You have the power to be part of the solution and a champion for kids and our community by voting YES tomorrow! 🧡🖤

03/31/2025

Election Day is tomorrow, April 1st! Polls will be open from 7am to 8pm.
Do you have a plan to cast your ballot and vote YES for BASD?

Find your polling place and what’s on your ballot at http://myvote.wi.gov/

03/31/2025

Tomorrow is the day you get to vote YES for BASD! 🧡🖤

03/30/2025

I urge Burlington residents to vote YES on the upcoming school operating referendum. The nominal tax increase in question is a crucial investment in our children's future and the well-being of our community.

Our school district has already made significant concessions while working hard to minimize the impact on students. However, continued under-funding will soon become debilitating. Adequate funding is essential for maintaining quality education, retaining qualified teachers, providing safe learning environments, and ensuring the viability of enriching extra-curricular activities. Without our support, the schools will struggle - resulting in a decline in educational standards and long-term negative impacts on our community.

An undereducated generation will find fewer opportunities in the global economy and experience higher unemployment, ultimately costing the community a lot more than just the proposed tax increase. Conversely, an adequately funded education system will produce skilled and engaged citizens who drive innovation and economic growth.

By voting YES, we support our children and invest in Burlington's prosperity and stability. The cost of inaction is too high. Please join me in voting YES on the school operating referendum.

Zack Madden
Dover

03/27/2025

When selecting a new community in 2018 we chose Burlington because of the great community and school district. Having been raised in Wyoming and South Dakota, we found that Burlington embodies the same values and community support that were integral to our upbringing.

We consistently heard people talking about the great education that was provided to themselves or their children that led to their success as an adult. We wanted to be a part of that and provide the same to our children. We have committed to Burlington as our home.

The upcoming referendum vote is a key to keeping this focus in our community. The district has been performing very well overall improving scores, ranking as a top middle school and the 2nd highest ACT scores in our conference. This referendum ensures we get to continue on this path of success for our students and community.

This ask for $9 per $100,000 of property value is directly put back into local community and has a long-lasting effect. This is such a great value for the return to the community and its citizens.

Without it, there will be continued cuts, loss of jobs for community members, rise in class sizes (which directly affects student learning outcomes), and an increase in deferred maintenance to properties.

Let’s come together on this to support the community, our students and educators and vote yes on April 1st.

Benjamin and Jessica Puffer
Burlington

03/27/2025

Make an informed decision and confidently vote 🗳️ YES for our kids and community on Tuesday! $27 per *year* on a home valued at $300,000 for only 3 years is less than a trip to McDonalds for most families. Check in on your friends and family to make sure they have a plan to vote!

Check out this design designed by Kristen Dixon.

03/25/2025

***Editor’s Note: Schultz, the Mayor of Burlington, sent this in his capacity as a private citizen.

I'm asking the community to vote yes on April 1 for the BASD operational referendum.

After the last referendum (which was admittedly too large), the community told BASD to make the necessary cuts, improve test scores, and sharpen their pencils. BASD stepped up and did everything we asked.

They slashed $5 million from their budget, and at barely over $2 per month for the average homeowner, the cost this time is nearly invisible.

We also have the second highest ACT scores in the Southern Lakes conference, and Karcher Middle School outperforms over 96% of schools in the entire State of Wisconsin in regards to growth.

Even if this referendum passes, BASD will still be under the state average for per-student spending. So they're not asking for the Cadillac; they're just trying to keep a good, dependable car running.

Our State Legislature says funding for schools is under local control via referendums like this.

I love low taxes as much as the next person, but we need to be careful not to conflate fiscal responsibility with negligence.

At some point, we start causing damage to one of the most important institutions in our community, and that hurts all of us.

Let's support BASD on April 1 and vote Yes!

Jon E. Schultz Il
Burlington

03/23/2025

Our extended family members are longtime residents of Burlington. Peggy and I graduated from BHS as our three sons did, so we know the value of the education that we received.

As you formulate your thoughts, we ask you to include the following in your decision-making process.

This referendum is for a non-recurring (temporary) increase in taxes. The 2024 referendum requested a permanent increase at a higher rate. Do not let your recollections of the prior request keep you from checking your homework regarding the upcoming proposal.

Here are a few facts to consider:

Proficiency test results for BASD students are better than the Wisconsin state average, specifically, 18% higher in reading and 66% higher in math. These results have been achieved by great staff members, while spending less than the state average for education.

The local tax levy has decreased by roughly 25% since the 2019-2020 school year while inflation has risen by over 23% during that timeframe. You know all too well what inflation has done to your expenses during this period. One of the frequently asked questions reminds us that the requested increase in the tax levy. For example, on a $300,000 home it would cost an additional $27 per YEAR. That's only $9 per every $100,000 of property owned! We believe that a strong school district is worth it.

The 2024 failed referendum required a staff reduction of nearly 40 personnel and the reduction (cut in half) of maintenance expenses for our facilities. It also required an increase in registration fees and extracurricular activities fees. While this was painful, it was accomplished by dedicated staff members doing what the voters asked them to do. Let's not ask them to make even deeper cuts this time.

We want to remind all of us of the quality education provided and the historically frugal methods by which the BASD has utilized our tax money.

Burlington is a thriving community in part due to our high-quality school system. Taxes are lower than many communities in Wisconsin. Each of the above items, and many more, are magnets for families and businesses who are looking for a place to plant their roots. Please join us in voting YES for the upcoming referendum. We believe it is the best way to continue to enjoy the benefits of the community that we love.

Chris and Peggy Weidert
Burlington