Palmyra-Eagle
Area School District
November Operational Referendum
Financial State of the District & Community Update
Palmyra-Eagle Area School District (PEASD) is at an important operational and financial planning juncture. To continue addressing ongoing operational needs, supporting essential student services, and maintaining educational programs, the PEASD Board of Education voted to pass a resolution placing an operational referendum question on the upcoming November ballot.
If approved by voters, this non-recurring operational referendum will authorize the district to exceed the state revenue limit by $797,000 annually.
Ballot Question Wording
The referendum question will appear on the November election ballot as follows:
“Shall the Palmyra-Eagle Area School District, located in Jefferson, Waukesha, and Walworth Counties, Wisconsin, be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $797,000 per year beginning with the 2026–2027 school year for non-recurring operational expenses?”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is on the ballot?
Voters in PEASD will consider an operational referendum requesting authorization to exceed the state-imposed revenue limit by $797,000 annually. Public school funding in Wisconsin is governed by state-imposed revenue caps. An operational referendum allows the local school district to collect additional revenue via local property taxes to support day-to-day operating expenses.
2. Why does PEASD need an operational referendum?
Revenue limit increases set by the state have not kept pace with rising operational costs and inflation. While PEASD continues to review budgets and streamline district operations, state funding caps leave a gap between operational revenues and the cost of maintaining academic programs, student transportation, facilities, and staff.
3. How will this impact local property taxes?
Detailed tax impact calculations—including estimated changes per $100,000 of equalized property value—will be calculated using equalized values released by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Factsheets outlining the estimated mill rate impact will be published on the district website once finalized.
Community Information Sessions & Resources
In accordance with Wisconsin statutory requirements, public school district communications remain neutral and factual. PEASD will host upcoming public information sessions to provide community members with additional financial context and answer questions:
District Updates & Fact Sheets: Information regarding district finances, revenue limits, and budget breakdowns will be updated regularly on the district website.