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Minocqua J1 School District 2026 Referendum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Minocqua J1 School District Hears Results of Community Survey July 20,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minocqua J1 School District Hears Results of Community Survey July 20, 2026
MINOCQUA, WI – July 20, 2026 – Previously the Minocqua J1 (MJ1) School District School Board has announced its intention to move forward with a plan for referendum on November 3, 2026. The Morris LeathermanCompany conducted a Telephone Survey (400 calls) of a random sample of our school community. The survey results were shared at the July 20th, School Board Meeting.
The last time MJ1 went to referendum was 2006; there are indications that the community was pleased with the management of those funds over the past two decades and the results that have been provided. Overall, the conversation results showed a tremendous amount of support for the MJ1 School District. The chart shows some of the items that survey participants were asked to comment on. We are proud of the work accomplished by Dr. Jim Ellis and the Board members he worked with during his 24 year tenure at the district. The full slide-show that was shared at the Board meeting is available (link to presentation).
This information will be used now to formulate a question that addresses the identified needs of the district and be balanced with the communities desire to support the school district via property taxes. The goal of a referendum would be to maintain academic programs, maintain student support staff, and maintain class sizes as well as addressing the building maintenance through the operating budget. These items were at the top of the community’s input for the MHLT School District’s recent strategic planning development.
With this information the Board of Education will formulate the District’s referendum resolution and ballot question to be completed by August. The Board decided to have a stand alone special meeting on August 11, 2026 at 6pm, with the ballot question as the only item for action and discussion. Administration will bring several drafts of the resolution and ballot questions which will be discussed at the meeting.
The August meeting will be the starting point for discussion and development of the final question. More information will be provided as we continue down this exciting and much needed path to a great future for our kids.
Information or Question Contacts: Specific detailed information will be available from the following administrators:
Referendum Process: Robert Smudde, District Administrator
rsmudde@mhlt.org / 715-356-5206, ext. 2113
Detailed Finances: Edward Then, Director of Business Services
ethen@mhlt.org / 715-356-5206, ext. 2111
Student Services and Special Education: Dayle Vanderleest, Director of Student Services
dvanderleest@mhlt.org / 715-356-5206, ext. 2120
The Board and administration thank you for your support as well as sharing information about our District so we can better serve our students and families.
