Arcadia board prepares for upcoming referendum

The Arcadia school board discussed the ongoing conversations and meetings with the community regarding the proposed operational referendum scheduled for a vote next month. 

This referendum aims to maintain essential programs, retain quality staff, and provide students with the necessary resources for success, as outlined on the district’s website. The funding requested through the referendum includes $1,500,000 for the 2025-26 school year, $1,000,000 for the 2026-27 school year, $750,000 for the 2027-28 school year, and $500,000 for the 2028-29 school year.

Board members, along with Superintendent Lori Frerk, have been meeting with local communities to discuss the referendum. Frerk noted that most questions have centered around the operational referendum itself, and overall, the board has perceived a majority of feedback as positive.

There are a few meetings still scheduled, and board treasurer Diana Tempski encouraged fellow board members to attend, as the community interprets low attendance by the board as a lack of support for the referendum. 

“The less there is the board, the perception is that the board doesn’t support it,” Tempski said.

Community members seeking more information about the proposed referendum can visit the Arcadia School District’s website or their Facebook page.

Arcadia is one of three districts asking for permission to exceed revenue limits on April 1. Whitehall is asking its taxpayers to approve a two-year referendum for $1.25 million each year and Independence officials are seeking $900,000 for each of the next three years.

Additionally, board members Paul Servais and Tempski were acknowledged for their years of service, with Servais having served nine-and-a-half years and Tempski for six years as school board members.