Learning

Referendum Academies

WASBO & WASDA host the Inaugural Operational and Capital Referenda Academies

Across Wisconsin, school districts are turning to referendums more often to address facility needs, sustain staffing and programs, and invest in safe, modern learning environments. Rising costs, aging infrastructure, and community expectations have made referendums a vital tool—and a complex challenge. To support leaders in this work, WASBO and WASDA are launching our new Referendum Academies, with two focused tracks: capital and operational. These academies will help district teams understand the history and causes behind referendums, strengthen financial forecasting, ensure legal compliance, and sharpen communication and resource management. With practical tools and expert guidance, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate referendum initiatives successfully and build lasting community trust.

      

Pricing

Both Academies will be meeting on the same dates with different times,
so participants are encouraged to participate in both academies!

Both Academies: $425 per person

One Academy: $225 per person

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Schedule

These yearlong academies will meet in November, December, January,
February and April, both in person and virtually, and yes, you can participate in both academies this year!

Learn More

For each session, the Operational Referendum Academy will meet from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and the Capital Referendum Academy will meet from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Lunch will be served from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. All in-person sessions are at the Wisconsin School Leadership Center office in Madison (except the session at the State Education Convention in Milwaukee).
  • Session 1 | November 3, 2025 (In-Person in Madison) | Causation & Historical Perspective
  • Session 2 | December 15, 2025 (In-Person in Madison) | Financial Planning & Forecasting
  • Special Session | January 22, 2025 (In-Person in Milwaukee) | Drop-In Support for Referendum Planning at State Education Convention
  • Session 3 | January 29, 2026 • 1:30-3 PM (90-Minute Virtual Meeting for Both Academies) | Legal Compliance
  • Session 4 | February 18, 2026 • 10:30 AM -12:00 PM (90-Minute Virtual Meeting for Both Academies) | Communication
  • Session 5 | April 14, 2026 (In-Person in Madison) | Resource Management

 

Capital Referendum Academy

Wisconsin districts are increasingly turning to capital referendums to replace or upgrade aging facilities, improve safety, and provide modern learning environments. The Capital Referendum Academy, offered by WASBO and WASDA, equips leaders with the tools to plan major facility projects responsibly and transparently. Participants will learn how to forecast project costs, model tax impacts, comply with statutory requirements, and communicate effectively with stakeholders, ensuring communities have the information and confidence they need when investing in long-term capital improvements.

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Operational Referendum Academy

With revenue limits and state funding often lagging behind rising costs, operational referendums have become essential for districts to sustain staffing, programs, and student services. The Operational Referendum Academy, offered by WASBO and WASDA, provides district leaders with strategies to assess financial need, build multi-year forecasts, meet legal requirements, and communicate clearly with their communities. Participants will also gain guidance on next steps after a referendum passes—or fails—so they are prepared to manage resources and maintain community trust in any outcome.

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