Madison Reporter

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Board of Education has approved two budgets for the 2024–25 academic year. One budget anticipates the approval of the district’s operations referendum, while the other does not.

"Every year, developing a budget that equitably accounts for the needs of our students, staff and community is among our greatest challenges and highest responsibilities," stated Bob Soldner, MMSD's assistant superintendent of financial services. "This year is no exception."

Both budget plans involve utilizing funds from MMSD's General Education Fund (Fund 10) to cover expenses such as wages, equity projects, and increased healthcare costs. The budget assuming referendum passage would decrease the fund by $22.4 million, leaving a balance of $92.3 million. In contrast, if the referendum does not pass, the fund would be reduced by $45.7 million, resulting in a balance of $68.9 million.

Without a successful referendum, an additional 2.06% wage increase for staff—negotiated during summer talks between the district and Madison Teachers Inc., which represents about 4,175 MMSD employees—would not occur. This pay raise totals $7.1 million.

Additionally, without increased revenue from the referendum, the Board may need to consider cuts to programs, services, and personnel for the 2025–26 school year due to insufficient revenues to support current spending levels. Employee compensation constitutes 81% of MMSD’s operating expenses.

"Madison is a community that understands the importance of public education and has demonstrated a commitment to supporting its schools time and again over the years," said Soldner. "We are hopeful that as many people as possible will head to the polls next week to exercise their constitutional right to vote."

Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5th. To register or find polling locations, visit: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Register-To-Vote