Welcome to the 2026 Operational Referendum Page!
Here, we hope to provide you with all of the information you need about the 2026 Operational Referendum. Please check back regularly as we continue to add information to this page!
Upcoming Informational Community Sessions
Wednesday, Oct. 14 - Elementary School Library 6:00 PM
Greetings Castle Guard Community,
On behalf of the School District of Washburn and the Board of Education, we sincerely appreciate our community's support as we seek passage of an Operational Referendum in November 2026.
This desired outcome reflects our community’s commitment to providing quality educational opportunities for students and supporting the staff who make that possible. We are grateful for the partnership between our schools and community and recognize our responsibility to manage taxpayer resources thoughtfully and transparently.
The additional operational revenue will help sustain strong educational programming, support the recruitment and retention of high-quality staff, strengthen the District’s financial stability, reduce reliance on short-term borrowing, and address facility needs that support learning for current and future students.
As we move forward, the District will continue to align financial decisions with its strategic priorities and long-term goals. Additional information regarding the District’s budget, financial outlook, and use of referendum funds will be shared during the District’s Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing this October. Thank you for your continued support and investment in Washburn Schools. Go Guards!
Sincerely,
Denise Michaelsen, Superintendent
Sarah Leino, District Finance Manager
Why?
- Strong financial stewardship has kept the District stable, but rising costs are creating current and future deficits.
- State funding has not kept pace with inflation for Wisconsin Schools.
- Strengthen the District's financial health and eliminate the negative impacts of short-term borrowing.
Commitments
- Community Partnerships
- Attracting & Retaining High-Quality Staff
- Service Learning
- Green & Healthy Programming
- Maintaining Small Class Sizes
- Innovative Teaching Strategies
Community Tax Impacts
- Projected 2026-27 impact of $123 per year on a $100,000 home.
- The 2027-28 tax impact will be an additional $13.00; in 2028-29, $54.00, and in 2029-30, $21.00.
CLICK ON THE CALCULATOR TO UTILIZE OUR TAX IMPACT TOOL
Questions?
We welcome and encourage community members to share any questions or concerns about the referendum. Please contact Denise Michaelsen, Superintendent, at 715-373-6188 ext. 103 or dmichaelsen@washburn.k12.wi.us. Your questions matter to us, and we are committed to providing clear, timely responses to ensure transparency and understanding throughout this process.
Notice of Election
In accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes, including §§ 10.01(2), 10.06, 120.06(6), and Chapter 985, and pursuant to Wisconsin Open Meetings Law (§ 19.84), the School District of Washburn has published its Notice of Election for the November 3, 2026 Referendum. The Notice was published the week of October 1, 2026 in the Ashland Daily Press.
The full Notice of Election may be viewed here.