November 2026 Referendum - Waunakee Community School District

On Monday, August 10, 2026, the Waunakee Community School District Board of Education unanimously approved two referendum questions, by a 7-0 vote, to appear on the November 2026 ballot.

The two questions address the district’s operational needs and the next phase of long-range facilities planning at Waunakee Community High School. This work builds on the district’s ongoing planning to address facility needs, support learning environments, and plan responsibly for the future.

Community input has been an important part of this process. We encourage our community to learn more about the referendum questions, review the ballot language and supporting information, and stay informed throughout the fall.

This webpage will continue to be updated with frequently asked questions, financial information, community engagement opportunities, and other referendum resources.

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Community Outreach and Informational Sessions

Community Outreach and Informational Sessions

Have questions about facility planning and referendum discussions in the Waunakee Community School District? Community members are invited to stop by our informational sessions and building tours to learn more, ask questions, and stay informed about the future of our schools and facilities. We encourage our community to get involved, share perspectives, and be part of the conversation as we plan for the future of our schools!

Your voice matters as we plan for the future of Waunakee schools.

Community Drop-In Sessions

September 23 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Bethel Circle District Office
September 29 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | M-N-M Coffeehouse
October 1 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Waunakee Public Library
October 5 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Starbucks Waunakee
October 15 | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Grace's Coffee
October 21 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Waunakee Village Center
October 22 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Bethel Circle District Office

Community Drop-In Sessions and Building Tours
Tuesday, September 29

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | High School Tour at Waunakee Community High School
10:00 - 10:30 a.m. | Information Session at WCHS
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | High School Tour at Waunakee Community High School
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Information Session at WCHS

*Waunakee Community High School (WCHS), 301 Community Drive, Waunakee, WI 53597

Community Drop-In Sessions and Building Tours
Tuesday, October 13

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | High School Tour at Waunakee Community High School
10:00 - 10:30 a.m. | Information Session at WCHS
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | High School Tour at Waunakee Community High School
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Information Session at WCHS

*Waunakee Community High School (WCHS), 301 Community Drive, Waunakee, WI 53597

Virtual Information Sessions

October 6 | 1:00 p.m.
October 6 | 6:00 p.m.

Information and Resources

Ballot Language - Question #1 (Operational Referendum)

Question #1 Ballot Language:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT FOR RECURRING PURPOSES

BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of the Waunakee Community School District, Dane County, Wisconsin that the revenues included in the School District budget be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $4,200,000 for the 2027-2028 school year; by an additional $2,100,000 for the 2028-2029 school year; by an additional $2,100,000 for the 2029-2030 school year; and by an additional $2,100,000 for the 2030-2031 school year (for a total of $10,500,000 and to remain at that amount thereafter), for recurring purposes consisting of ongoing operational expenses and employee compensation expenses.

Ballot Language - Question #2 (Capital Referendum)

Question #2 Ballot Language:
INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $97,500,000

BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of the Waunakee Community School District, Dane County, Wisconsin that there shall be issued pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $97,500,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school facility improvement project consisting of: removal of an older portion of the High School and construction of additions and renovations at the High School; renovations at the old middle school (known as the High School South Campus); outdoor athletic field renovations and improvements at the High School Campus; district-wide renovations, capital maintenance and site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment.

District Finance

District in Numbers

The new WCSD Data Dashboard provides families, staff, and community members with a transparent and easy-to-use view of district performance measures and strategic indicators. The dashboard allows stakeholders to explore meaningful data and monitor progress over time while helping tell the story of student success and district priorities. Access our dashboard: WCSD Data Dashboard

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Long-Range Facility Planning

Publications

Community Survey Results (Spring 2026)

In spring 2026, the Waunakee Community School District conducted a community survey to gather feedback on the District’s financial needs, long-range facility planning, and potential November 2026 referendum questions. The survey was conducted by School Perceptions, an independent education research firm, and received 1,822 responses.

Community members can review the Spring 2026 Community Survey and the Community Survey Results presented to the Board of Education on May 18, 2026. The feedback gathered through the survey helped inform the District and Board of Education as they continued planning for the future.

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