Vote Yes: A Fiscally Responsible Deal by a Fiscally Responsible School District

How good is the financial deal for the 126-acre St. Croix Meadows dog track property?

Let’s break it down:

Once the property is purchased and we enter the "what to build there" phase, there will already be $4.8 million to $7.5 million worth of value that would have to be spent at an undeveloped site. Just for comparison sake, let’s take a look at the dog track vs. the recently sold Uline property in the St. Croix Business Park (see attached table).   

The district has identified the best value for land within our city limits and given the taxpayers the opportunity to purchase it. And it actually is the way the school district operates on a regular basis.

The Myth

Opponents of the dog track referendum and of the school district’s fiscal approach often argue: “The Hudson School District has no regard for the taxpayer and is irresponsible with taxpayer money."

The facts about fiscal responsibility

According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Hudson School District ranks:

1. Last out of 425 school districts in total revenue raised per student from taxes. (Total revenue raised from taxes = property tax + state tax + federal tax monies + other local revenues).
2. 423rd out of 425 school districts in cost per student ($8,741 per student).

See the reports for yourself

This data is the State of Wisconsin’s “apples to apples” comparison across the entire state. Also on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's website, you can find achievement statistics that speak to the high quality of education provided by the district.

Let’s talk value

If you define “value” as “quality of return on the dollar,” not only are taxpayers contributing less to the district than anyone else in the state, but they are getting a very high quality product for it. 

Even the national College Board agrees with the high-quality education provided at Hudson schools — recognizing for the second year in a row as an Advanced Placement Honor Roll District (only 367 schools recognized nationally and only 20 in the state of Wisconsin).  was just named 2011-12 Middle School of Excellence for the second time. This distinction is based in part on the school ranking in the top 10 percent of all Wisconsin schools for math achievement.

Can’t argue the facts

High quality at one of the lowest costs. Not just a pretty good cost. Not just at an acceptable cost. The Hudson School District delivers high quality education at one of the lowest costs in the state. 

By voting yes, the fiscally responsible path will again be followed.

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For more information on the referendum, go to VoteYesHudson.com. There you will find lots of background information. The Vote Yes Hudson Schools Committee is a mix of parents who have children in all levels of school grades in the district, and a few citizens who have "no skin in the game" but believe that strong schools equal a strong community.