Like many school districts across Wisconsin, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools (WRPS) is facing growing financial pressure. While costs for things like staffing, utilities, and classroom materials continue to rise each year, state funding has not kept pace. In fact, the state no longer increases school revenue limits with inflation—a change made in 2009. If that policy had continued, Wisconsin Rapids schools would have $16.4 million more in funding this year, or about $3,500 more per student.
To help bridge this gap, voters approved an operational referendum in 2021 that provided $2 million per year for classroom needs, technology, safety, and staffing. That support has made a real difference—but it expires next year. Even with those additional funds, the District is still projecting a $3.5 million budget deficit that will continue to grow unless local funding is renewed.
These financial challenges have real impacts. WRPS teachers and staff earn less than those in many neighboring districts, making it harder to attract and retain quality educators. Rising costs also make it difficult to maintain smaller class sizes and provide services like counseling, nursing, and childcare options that families increasingly depend on.
To maintain the high-quality education our community expects, WRPS—like 87% of districts across the state—must rely on operational referendums to fill the gap between what it costs to run our schools and what the state provides. Without renewed local support, the District would be forced to make significant cuts to programs, staffing, and services.
