Fond du Lac School District Seeks $30M Operational Referendum

District leaders host public info session as voters prepare to weigh in on April ballot measure

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Fond du Lac School District in Wisconsin is seeking a $30 million non-recurring operational referendum that would provide $7.5 million per year for four years. District officials say declining enrollment and insufficient state funding have created budget challenges, requiring them to consider staff cuts, program reductions, and potentially closing a school. The referendum would help cover teacher salaries and benefits as well as fund security upgrades at schools.

Why it matters

School funding referendums have become increasingly common across Wisconsin as districts grapple with tightening budgets. This case highlights the difficult tradeoffs facing local education leaders as they balance community needs, taxpayer concerns, and the imperative to provide quality public schooling.

The details

The Fond du Lac School District hosted a public information session to discuss the upcoming $30 million operational referendum. Superintendent Matt Steinbarth said the district has faced a combination of declining enrollment (900 fewer students since 2010) and state funding that hasn't kept pace with inflation, putting them in a position where they need to ask voters to approve additional funding. Even if the referendum passes, the district still faces a $3.5 million budget hole for next school year and plans to make cuts to staff, programs, and other expenses. The referendum funds would help cover teacher salaries and benefits as well as security upgrades like secure entrances, cameras, and door monitoring systems at schools.

  • The referendum will appear on the April 7 spring election ballot.
  • An informational session for the public was held on February 26, 2026.
  • Another information session is scheduled for March 4, 2026 at 5 p.m.

The players

Matt Steinbarth

Superintendent of the Fond du Lac School District.

Clyde Denzer

A Fond du Lac resident who is concerned about the referendum's impact on his fixed income but plans to support it to benefit the schools.

Robin Vos

Assembly speaker who criticized a recent lawsuit alleging inadequate state funding of public schools in Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest purpose of this meeting was making sure that our voters throughout the community have the facts. At the end of the day, we're trying to make this the best place for students, that's our focus always.”

— Matt Steinbarth, Superintendent (wearegreenbay.com)

“We are retired, on a fixed income so it's a concern but we would like to see the kids get a good education. More than likely we'll vote for it because we want to support the schools but it's going to hurt.”

— Clyde Denzer, Fond du Lac resident (wearegreenbay.com)

“Unfortunately I think until the state funding formula changes or at least is re-evaluated, I think you'll continue to see districts around the state be in a similar position as we are in.”

— Matt Steinbarth, Superintendent (wearegreenbay.com)

What’s next

The Fond du Lac School District plans to hold another public information session on the referendum on March 4, 2026 at 5 p.m. Voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on the measure during the April 7, 2026 spring election.

The takeaway

This referendum highlights the ongoing challenges facing school districts across Wisconsin as they grapple with tightening budgets, declining enrollment, and the need to maintain quality education and critical infrastructure. The outcome in Fond du Lac could set a precedent for other districts considering similar measures to address funding shortfalls.