Racine Unified is 9-4 in Referendum Votes Since 2000

Voters in the Racine Unified School District are 9-4 on approval of referendum questions since 2000. Here’s a recap:

• November, 2000:  A $10.985 million bond issue to remodel and construct an addition to Garfield (now Julian Thomas) Elementary School (approved.)

• November 2000:  Add $1 million to the general fund balance to improve cash flow (rejected.)

• February 2001:  Construct a $500,000 science and technology addition to Park High School (approved) 

• February 2001:  Increase spending for operations by $2.7 million (approved.)

• February 2001:  Add $1 million to the general fund balance annually for 10 years to improve cash flow (approved.)

• April 2004:  Increase spending by $9 million over two years for facilities upgrades (rejected.)

• April 2004:  Increase spending by $7.2 million over two years for operations (rejected.)

• June 2004:  Increase spending by $4.6 million for operations (approved.)

• June 2004:  Increase spending by $1.85 million for facilities upgrades (approved.)

• April 2005:  Increase spending by $8.9 million for operations (rejected.)

• June 2005:  Increase spending by $6.45 million for operations (approved.)

• June 2006:  Increase spending by $6.45 million for operations (approved.)

• April 2008:  Increase spending by $16.5 million over five years for building maintenance and improvement projects (approved.)

            On April 5, RUSD voters will be asked to approve an $83.5 million bond issue to construct five schools and remodel five others; increase spending by $35 million over seven years to fund program operations that would include hiring additional teachers for smaller class sizes, and to increase spending by $1 million annually for 10 years to improve cash flow and provide a continued favorable bond rating.