Kewaskum School District Approves 2025–2026 Levy

The 2025 Annual Meeting of the Kewaskum School District Board of Education was held on Monday, August 25, in the Kewaskum High School Theater. The meeting included an overview of the previous school year’s accomplishments and a presentation of the previous and current year’s budget.
“The Annual Meeting reflects the strong partnership between the community and the district,” said Board President Jim Leister. “We are grateful for the continued support of our families, staff, and residents who help us build a strong future for Kewaskum students.”
Business Manager Keith Brightman presented the 2024–25 financial results along with the preliminary 2025–26 budget and estimated tax levy. After discussion, the electors approved the 2025–26 tax levy for operating expenses and capital outlay of $11,445,098, debt retirement for $1,920,775, and community services fund for $76,800.
Brightman stated, “The total levy reflects the district’s continued commitment to strong financial stewardship while supporting students and staff. Although the district’s total expenses only increased 2.77% for this year, the property tax levy increased by 7.3% because state legislators did not increase school aid. In the future, we hope to see the state legislature contribute to the state aid for schools so that the inflationary burden does not fall entirely on property owners. While Kewaskum is projecting a 7.3% increase, there will likely be much higher increases across the state–again because of a freeze on the state aid that offsets tax levies. The bottom line is that Kewaksum is a low-revenue, low-cost district that produces well above average results.”
Kewaskum Superintendent Dr. Mark Bazata reported on the district’s commitment to student care, challenge, and commitment, along with staff engagement and financial responsibility, highlighting a nine-year high attendance rate of 96.2%, well above the state average, a 73.4% passing rate for Advance Placement exams, which is the highest it has been in over 10 years, 72% of the Class of 2024 participated in work-based learning programs, and a strong fund balance, avoiding short-term borrowing and saving taxpayers $30,000–40,000 annually.
Dr. Mark Bazata, Superintendent, added, “The Kewaskum School District is thriving. Our students are excelling, our families and staff are engaged, and our finances remain sound. These accomplishments reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence, responsibility, and community pride.”