MERRILL, WI (WAOW TV-WSAU)– The Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) referendum failed once again Tuesday on Election Night.
The final tally was 4,479 no votes while 4,095 voted to pass the referendum.
Between April and August, MAPS had to make budget cuts after a referendum failed after the school board tried to continue a 2018 referendum. The referendum was put forth to provide the district with $2.5 million over the next four years. It failed, earning just 43 percent of the vote, according to WXPR.
We reported in August administrators at the school district said dealing with a limited budget has made them have to cut programs, change curriculums and more. Administrators said the need and the reason for the referendum never left.
The referendum was approved by the school board to be on the November election ballot.
Meanwhile, the Rhinelander School District’s referendum has passed by a significant margin on Election Night.
The referendum received 60% of the votes to pass. The final tally was: 5,698 yes; 3,844 no.
The referendum was on the ballot to fund critical student programs and services in areas like mental health and special education, while also covering costs to keep buses running and heating its schools.
“In a time where property taxes go down, we can pass a referendum for less money this time around and continue to provide the great resources that we have for our students and our staff.” said Eric Burke, Superintendent, in a September interview.
Officials said the tax rate is expected to stay at a similar rate or even decrease due to some state aid.
The referendum would expire at the end of the 2026-2027 school year.
