What is an Operational Referendum?
An operational referendum asks voters to approve additional money to help pay for daily expenses, including utilities, staff compensation, and student programs and services. Funds are used within the school year they are received. These funds are critical for maintaining the day-to-day operations and programs in our district.
Why Does the District Need an Operational Referendum?
The additional funding voters approved in 2022 will expire next year. Currently, this provides Hillsboro with $750,000 each year.
The District is experiencing the same increasing costs as families. At the same time, we are receiving less federal funding, and the state has cut the amount of money we receive in state aid.
State funding used to increase with inflation, but the state ended that in 2009. If that had continued, Hillsboro would have nearly $1.7 million in additional funds this year ($3,571 more per student).