NEW BERLIN — Almost 53% of voters in New Berlin said "no" to upping taxes to the New Berlin School District for a $25 million referendum. Now many parents are concerned about what’s next.
Ann Szeflinski is a New Berlin parent. Szeflinski voted "yes" and encouraged others to do the same.
“I wonder if we are going to lose more teachers than we already have. They’ll have to make some tough choices now that the referendum didn’t pass,” said Szeflinski.
According to the district, that money would have gone to increasing salaries, making school improvements and offsetting debt. Ray Schaffart, a New Berlin District parent, now wonders what will happen to his kids.
“A lot of disappointment in our house last night. We moved here specifically for the school system,” said Schaffart.
The school now is in dire need of funds, but those for who voted no — such as Kevin Denius — say taxes aren’t the place to get it.
“A lot of disappointment in our house last night. We moved here specifically for the school system.” — parent Ray Schaffart
“It doesn’t seem right to me. They have a budget; they should operate within their budget,” said Denius.
With declining enrollment, Denius says the school can find other ways to save money without touching taxes.
Consolidating the high schools and middle schools is one option many parents have heard. The New Berlin School District has two middle schools and two high schools.
“It doesn’t seem right to me. They have a budget; they should operate within their budget.” — parent Kevin Denius
“I’ve spoken to tons of parents, and no one wants to see the high schools consolidated or extracurriculars cut,” said Schaffart.
New Berlin School District declined to go on camera Wednesday, saying there are “too many unknowns and a lot of work to do."
Superintendent Joe Garza issued this statement:
“The community has made its choice, and as a result, the new school board will have many difficult decisions to make in the near future,” Garza said.
And it’s those potential decisions that have families worried.
