Hope in Nerad

In Madison schools referendum prospects look good, Jason Shepard lays out Nerad's plan if Madison's referendum passes next week: "The plan...would eliminate the paralyzing school board budget battles for the next three years, freeing up significant time for the board and a new administration to chart a new strategic plan and focus on initiatives to boost student achievement."

School funding laws imposed by the state Legislature in 1993 require school districts to seek voter approval to increase budgets by any more than roughly 2.2% annually. Because costs to continue the same programs generally exceed this, districts are increasingly cutting student programs or holding referendums.

Madison officials say they've cut $60 million in services over the past 15 years and little is left to trim that won't reduce student services or increase class sizes.

November's referendum seeks to permanently increase the revenue cap for operating costs by $5 million in 2009-10, and an additional $4 million in both 2010-11 and 2011-12, for a total of $13 million. These increases would be permanent.

The projected tax hike on an average $250,000 home is $27.50 in 2009, $70.60 in 2010, and $91.50 in 2011, for a total three-year increase of $189.60.

To demonstrate fiscal discipline, Nerad has committed to making $1 million in cuts this year, including $600,000 in staff positions, even if the referendum passes. And Nerad pledges $2.5 million in additional spending cuts in the two subsequent years. The district will also transfer $2 million from its cash balance to offset the budget deficit.

Assuming the referendum passes, Nerad's next priority will be to engage the community in a strategic-planning process that could transform many of the district's programs and priorities. The school board intends to approve a process by the end of the year.

Notably, Nerad says he will insist on setting data-driven, annual targets for the strategies.

And he's "committed to pushing" for another look at a 4-year-old kindergarten program, something that has eluded the district despite its embrace by two-thirds of districts throughout Wisconsin. His staff is conducting an updated cost analysis, and he wants a school board discussion and a meeting with various stakeholders in the next few months. He's not ruled out implementing a 4K program as early as next year.