Referendum 2025

In collaboration with supportive communities, the New Prague Area Schools have a PROUD TRADITION of providing high-quality levels of education for all NPAS students. In order to stabilize funding to help ensure a PROMISING FUTURE for all students, the NPAS are asking local voters for an operating levy increase that will help maintain high levels of programming and avoid future budget reductions.

The New Prague Area Schools will place an Operating Referendum levy question on the Tuesday, November 4th ballot. Residents can begin early voting on September 19, 2025.

If approved, the additional funding will provide $2 million per year to the NPAS Operating Budget, starting in FY 2026-27. A survey conducted with a random sample of over 400 participants revealed the community's desire for stable funding to sustain high-quality programming. This additional funding will enable the NPAS to maintain current class sizes, bus routes, and programming, while also preventing future budget reductions.

Approval will result in a $20 monthly tax increase to a home valued at $400,000.

For example: If approved, homeowners with an estimated market value of $400,000 would pay an annual increase of approximately $240.

The additional funding will provide $2 million annually to the NPAS' Operating Budget starting in FY 2026-27. This increase in revenue will help sustain high levels of programming and prevent future budget reductions.

Funding from state and federal governments has not kept pace with rising inflation, unfunded and partially funded mandates, and the increasing costs of educating students in the 21st century. For instance, required Special Education programs cost the District an additional $1.7 million each year beyond what it receives from state and federal sources, which adds pressure to the District’s operating budget.

 

 

Yes. If the referendum does not pass, future reductions may include significant staff reductions, negatively impacting student-to-teacher class size ratios at all levels; a reduction in transportation services, resulting in increased walking distances for students; and loss of programming at all levels.