Weyauwega-Fremont School District Holds Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing: Lower Tax Levy Ahead for 2025–26

Weyauwega, WI — October 27, 2025

The School District of Weyauwega-Fremont will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing tonight, Monday, October 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Community Forum Room, followed by a Special School Board Meeting and the district’s Regular Board of Education meeting.

The evening serves as an opportunity for residents to review the district’s financial performance, weigh in on the proposed 2025–2026 budget, and vote on several annual resolutions that shape school operations and local tax impacts.

Superintendent Wester Reflects on Progress and Challenges

Superintendent Stacey Wester, who began her tenure earlier this year, opened the district’s 2025 Annual Report with a message of gratitude and optimism. Wester praised students, families, and staff for maintaining a strong culture of respect, innovation, and academic growth while navigating financial pressures.

“Our focus remains on thoughtful, student-centered investments that promote achievement and long-term sustainability,” Wester said in her annual message. “Preliminary results show meaningful academic growth, with increased proficiency in both math and reading.”

She also emphasized the importance of community partnerships and fiscal responsibility, noting that the district continues to face declining enrollment, reduced state aid, and ongoing revenue limits.

Budget Hearing Highlights

The proposed 2025–2026 district budget reflects cautious financial planning amid those challenges. The district projects an operational deficit of roughly $331,000, not yet accounting for pending staff wage increases or high school boiler replacements.

District leaders said they intend to continue identifying efficiencies and opportunities to reduce the shortfall as the fiscal year progresses.

Key budget details:

• General Fund (Fund 10): $12.08 million in expenditures

• Special Education (Fund 27): $1.68 million

• Community Service Fund (Fund 80): $1.15 million

• Total Proposed Tax Levy: $9,203,677

  
  

Despite the deficit, the overall tax levy will decrease by 8.02%, bringing the district’s mill rate down to $7.70 per $1,000 of property value. That decline follows a significant 10.45% increase in overall equalized property values across the district.

Superintendent Wester said the lower levy demonstrates the district’s effort to balance student support with fiscal responsibility.“We are committed to making the most of every tax dollar,” she noted.

Resolutions to Be Considered

During the Annual Meeting, residents will act on several standard resolutions, including:

• Setting School Board member salaries for 2025–26

• Approving the Hot Lunch, Breakfast, and Milk Programs

• Authorizing the sale of surplus school equipment

• Approving the 2025–26 contribution to Fund 38 for debt repayment

• Adopting the 2025–2026 Tax Levy

• Setting the next Annual Meeting date for October 26, 2026

  
  

The resolutions give community members a direct role in how the district allocates its resources each year.

Special Meeting and Board of Education Agenda

Immediately following the Annual Meeting, the Board will hold a Special Meeting to formally adopt the 2025–2026 budget and tax levy. The Regular Board of Education meeting will then follow, featuring administrative updates and several action items, including:

• Approval of Start College Now applications

• Adoption of the 2025–26 Co-Curricular Code of Conduct

• Review of student admission fees and STEP program participation

• A Charter School Update

• Administrative reports from the Superintendent, Principals, Business Manager, and Student Representative

  
  

Board members will also discuss upcoming events, including the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) State Education Convention, scheduled for January 21–23, 2026.

Looking Ahead For Weyauwega-Fremont School District

According to the district’s financial summary, Weyauwega-Fremont’s overall fiscal position remains stable despite the projected short-term deficit. The general fund balance stands at roughly $3.6 million, representing about 27% of total annual expenditures, a figure viewed as a healthy reserve under Department of Public Instruction guidelines.

Superintendent Wester closed her remarks by reaffirming her commitment to transparency and collaboration.

“Together, we will continue to navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and build a bright future for all,” she said.

The 2025 Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing booklet, including detailed financial reports and resolutions, is available on the district’s website at www.wegafremont.k12.wi.us.