November Election: Brillion School District referendum approved

By David Nordby

The Brillion News

BRILLION – Electorates in the Brillion School District approved an operational referendum in Tuesday’s election. The referendum gives the district the authorization to exceed the revenue limit by $1 million per year through the 2030-31 school year.

The unofficial count was 1,457 (53.2%) in favor of the referendum and 1,282 against it. The numbers will become official once votes are canvassed.

Tuesday’s result was a shift from April’s failed referendum vote when 56.5% of voters (1,064 to 816) were against it.

On Tuesday, voters in the City of Brillion were in favor of the referendum 785 to 692 compared to April when 569 voted against it versus 450 in favor of it.

Voting by each municipality that is a part of the district looked like this on Tuesday:

·       City of Brillion: 785 yes; 692 no

·       Town of Brillion: 407 yes; 354 no

·       Town of Maple Grove: 82 yes; 74 no

·       Town of Rantoul: 80 yes; 57 no

·       Town of Rockland: 71 yes; 74 no

·       Town of Holland: 27 yes; 19 no

·       Town of Woodville: 4 yes; 6 no

·       Town of Morrison: 1 yes, 6 no

The district passed an operational referendum on April 4, 2023, with a narrow 899 to 867 vote. That operational referendum expired on June 30, 2026.

Tuesday’s approved referendum will help alleviate a budget deficit for the current 2026-27 school year and likely bring back some staff and services that were part of the budget cuts after April’s failed vote.

Superintendent Corey Baumgartner released a statement to the newspaper Tuesday night.

"On behalf of the Brillion Public Schools Board of Education, administration, and staff, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the members of our school community for supporting the operational referendum. The passage of this referendum helps provide greater stability for our schools and allows us to continue focusing on what matters most: providing meaningful educational opportunities and support for every student.

We recognize that this decision was made with careful consideration and also understand the responsibility that comes with your support. We will remain committed to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, making thoughtful financial decisions, and ensuring that the resources are used in ways that continue to support student learning and success.

To everyone who voted, asked questions, and participated in conversations, thank you. We are grateful for your trust, support, and continued commitment to Brillion Public Schools."