Frequently Asked Questions

Like many school districts across Wisconsin, our district is facing increasing costs while our primary source of funding has not kept pace. Inflation continues to drive up expenses for essential items such as utilities, fuel, insurance, supplies, and transportation. At the same time, staffing costs, including wages, health insurance, and benefits, continue to rise as the district works to maintain a stable, high-quality faculty and staff for our students.

Over time, the responsibility for funding public schools has increasingly shifted from the state to local communities. While the state provides aid to school districts, that funding has not consistently kept pace with inflation or the rising costs of operating schools.

As a result, local property taxpayers are now responsible for a larger share of school funding than in the past. State revenue limits also restrict how much districts can adjust their budgets, even as costs continue to increase. This shift means school districts must rely more heavily on local solutions, such as referendums, to maintain educational programs and services.

Despite these challenges, the district continues to manage its resources carefully and seek ways to balance state support with local funding while remaining accountable to taxpayers.

For the 2025-2026 school year, the School District of Crandon’s property tax rate, also known as a mill rate is $4.96 per $1,000 of home value.

If the referendum is approved, it would allow the district to collect additional local revenue to support school operations. This would result in an increase to the school portion of a property owner’s tax bill, with the exact impact varying based on a property’s assessed value.

It is also important to note that even without a referendum, an increase in the school portion of property taxes is projected due to a significant decrease in state aid anticipated for next year. When state aid decreases, that burden shifts to local taxpayers.

Yes. This referendum is nonrecurring and would conclude at the end of the 2028-2029 school year.

Yes. Many Wisconsin school districts are turning to operational referendums to address rising costs, limited state funding, and revenue limits that have not kept pace with inflation. This has become increasingly common across the state as districts work to maintain programs and services.

Click here for an interactive map to show how neighboring and area school districts compare.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

TOWN OF ARGONNE
Argonne Town Hall
8842 Black Bear Avenue
Argonne, WI 54511

TOWN OF CRANDON
Crandon Town Hall
5474 County Road S
Crandon, WI 54520

CITY OF CRANDON
Crandon City Community Building
601 W Washington Street
Crandon, WI 54520

TOWN OF NASHVILLE
Nashville Town Hall
4265 State Highway 55
Crandon, WI 54520

TOWN OF LINCOLN
Lincoln Town Hall
5376 County Road W
Crandon, WI 54520

TOWN OF HILES
Hiles Town Hall
9193 N Main Street
Hiles, WI 54511

TOWN OF ALVIN
Alvin Town Hall
16942 State Highway 55
Alvin, WI 54542

Yes. Any qualified elector who registers to vote is eligible to request an absentee ballot. Under Wisconsin law, voters do not need a reason or excuse, such as being out of town on Election Day, to vote absentee. You have several options for requesting an absentee ballot and casting your vote. 

Visit https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/vote-absentee-by-mail for more information on obtaining an absentee ballot.

Below you will see a SAMPLE ballot similar to what you will see on election day.

As a community member, supporting a school funding referendum benefits you in several key ways, even if you don’t have children in the district:

• Schools provide children with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life, ensuring a well-educated workforce and informed citizens.

• Schools serve as gathering places for families, hosting events, sports, and extracurricular activities that bring people together.

• They foster a sense of community pride and identity.

• Many schools offer meals, healthcare, and mental health services that support students and families in need.

• Schools prepare students for the workforce. Well-funded schools produce skilled graduates who contribute to the local economy, attract businesses, and reduce unemployment.

• Many school improvements benefit the entire community, such as upgraded facilities, auditoriums, athletic fields, and libraries that can be used for public events and recreation.

• A strong school system enhances a community’s reputation, making it a more desirable place to live, work, and raise families.

• A strong school is a direct investment in the future of the entire community.

Yes! Please see the right-hand side of this page for times and locations! We hope to see you there!