Kewaskum School District Approves Levy

While the recently approved Wisconsin state budget includes investments in special education, it leaves general school funding flat for the next two years—shifting the burden of funding school districts to taxpayers to maintain essential programs and services.
Because the state did not increase general aid to schools, Kewaskum School District, like many others across Wisconsin, will need to raise the local tax levy simply to maintain current levels of staffing, classroom instruction, student programs, and operational needs. Nearly all of the new revenue goes directly toward a continuation of services, meaning maintaining existing student programs and offsetting inflationary costs, such as fuel, utilities, and cost-of-living increases. Total KSD expenditures are increasing an overall 2.77% while the tax levy is projected to increase by over 7%.
“We are grateful for the increase in special education support, but the reality is that most of our daily operations, like maintaining safe buildings and offering high-quality learning opportunities, are funded through general aid and the revenue limit,” said Dr. Mark Bazata, Superintendent of the Kewaskum School District. “With no increase in that funding from the state, the responsibility shifts to our local taxpayers to make up the difference. That’s not a burden we take lightly.”
Originally, state aid and the revenue limit were designed to work together. When the state increases one without the other unintended consequences occur. If the state budget process would provide modest inflationary increases to both, local taxpayers would also see lower and manageable adjustments.
Board of Education President Jim Leister emphasized that the district remains committed to fiscal responsibility and student success. “Our board works hard to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars while ensuring that Kewaskum students have access to a well-rounded, high-quality education. In the face of flat state funding, we are choosing to prioritize our kids, our teachers, and our community’s future.”

Despite the funding challenges, district leaders remain optimistic. Kewaskum schools continue to demonstrate strong academic achievement, responsible budgeting, and a community-driven approach to decision-making.
“We are proud of our staff, our students, and the unwavering support of our families and taxpayers,” added Dr. Bazata. “We’ll continue to work transparently and collaboratively as we navigate these next two years.”
For more information on the district’s finances and the 2025–26 tax levy, visit www.kewaskumschools.org or contact the district office at 262-626-8427.