Residents within the Luxemburg-Casco School District will see an important question on their November election ballot. Like in 2024, the community is being asked to consider support of a three-year operational referendum. The 2024 referendum sunsets after the 2026-27 school year.

The proposed referendum is the same amount and duration as the prior referendum: $1.8 million per year for three years. Because the amount is remaining static, the referendum is expected to have a net-zero impact on the District’s mill rate, meaning that property taxes will not increase as a result of an approved referendum.

“We understand that asking our community to support another referendum is a significant request,” says District Superintendent Dr. Jo-Ellen Fairbanks, “and we are truly grateful for the trust placed in our schools. We deeply appreciate the partnership and support our community has continued to show the Luxemburg-Casco School District.”

That partnership includes a number of innovative educational programs that positively impact both students and the community, including area businesses. These include:

• Rising Phoenix, which gives students the opportunity to earn a two-year associate degree before graduating from high school.
• Bellin Healthcare Academy, which, through a partnership with Bellin Health, students can earn up to 42 college credits toward a four-year degree through Bellin College.
• A Firefighter Academy, which in partnership with local fire departments, students are trained to become volunteer firefighters.
• Ahnapee Automotive & Diesel Programs, which prepare students for careers as automotive and diesel technicians while helping to place them with area employers.
• Northeast Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship, in which L-C has the highest participation rate in the area at 63 percent. Students have earned more than $2 million in wages, while gaining valuable work experience, exploring careers and contributing to the local economy.
• Two student business/enterprise programs that eventually will be self-sustaining.

Dr. Fairbanks points out that, along with these programs being good for students, they are good for local businesses that need a skilled workforce.

“Our schools are at the heart of our community,” she says. “Together, we can ensure Luxemburg-Casco remains a place where students thrive, families belong, and our community grows stronger.”

Operational referendum funds have helped to cover the everyday costs of running District schools, including competitive wages and benefits to retain trained, quality staff, along addressing deferred facility maintenance.

To help reduce costs, the District has adopted a zero-based budgeting philosophy, where department budgets start at zero, then decisions are made based on what is needed to operate in the present school year. High-cost, one-time items are budgeted for in the year they are needed; the funds move each year from department to department on a case-by-case basis.

Dr. Fairbanks adds that the District has reduced bus purchases and routes, changed or reduced contracted services, and reduced and restructured positions. She also mentioned that the District actively seeks additional revenue through fundraising, grants, and the solicitation of donations.

“We are proud of the education we provide for our students and remain committed to being good stewards of our community’s resources while giving every student the opportunities they need to thrive.”

Classroom results continue to be among the best in Northeast Wisconsin. Along with maintaining the aforementioned college and technical programs, referendum funds also have helped to produce high test scores in reading and math.

In the most recent Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) District Report Cards, Luxemburg-Casco received an “Exceeds Expectations” designation. The Intermediate School is the district’s highest-performing school, with a score of 92.4 (Significantly Exceeds Expectations) in 2024-25.

Math and English Language Arts results have also ranked among the top seven of the 38 districts in CESA 7.

Along with superior test scores, the District is focused on giving students real-world opportunities to explore careers. At more than 60 percent, L-C has the highest percentage of juniors and seniors participating in Youth Apprenticeship in the CESA 7 region.

“Our test scores and programs are something we all can be proud of,” says Dr. Fairbanks. “They reflect the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, and the strong partnership between our schools and the Luxemburg-Casco community.”

Acknowledging that a referendum proposal can generate additional questions, Dr. Fairbanks shared plans to hold community meetings in the coming weeks to provide area residents with the information they need to make an informed decision. The District’s financial outlook also will be presented.

Dates and times of these community meetings will be posted on the LCSD social media channels.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Luxemburg-Casco community,” says Dr. Fairbanks. “Our schools are strong because of the people who support them, believe in our students, and care about the future of this community. Together, we can continue to keep this community one that we are all proud to call home.”

More information about the proposed operational referendum can be found on the District’s website: https://luxcascok12wius.finalsite.com/district/board-of-education/2027-29-operational-referendum.