The Wautoma Area School District extends its gratitude to everyone who remained engaged and participated in the April 1 referendums.
Voters in the Wautoma Area School District rejected both questions that totalled $35.8 million on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Although the referendums did not pass, we honor the democratic process and the choice of our community.
Question #1 was defeated by 5.4%, with 47.3% in favor and 52.7% opposed.
Question #2 was defeated by 15.6% with 42.2% in favor and 57.8% opposed.
Although we are disappointed that we are unable to move forward with these capital projects, which aim to address over $12 million in capital maintenance needs over the next five years and appropriately reconfigure grades to reduce our overall operating expenses, we remain committed to responsible planning for the future of our schools.
As part of the long-range facilities plan adopted in January 2025, the district will proceed with the closure of Riverview Elementary by the 2026-27 school year and students and staff will be redistributed to the other schools in our district. We will begin developing a transition plan for these shifts in the coming weeks and months. Without referendum finding, there will be minimal to no renovations to accommodate these changes. Additionally, we must address our maintenance needs within our existing budget including nearly $840,000 for the 2025-26 school year.
We remain committed to transparency and will keep the community informed as we finalize timelines and transition plans for building consolidation and grade reconfiguration.
Thank you again to everyone who participated in the April 2025 voting process.