Independence, Whitehall school referendums pass, Arcadia's fails

Two of the three local school referendums passed, but the third failed by a considerable margin.

While the attempt to exceed revenue limitations gained ground, the Arcadia School District saw another referendum fail by a wide margin. In 2023, the district’s ask to exceed revenue limits by $750,000 for three years managed just 34 percent of the vote. On Tuesday, the ask to exceed revenue limits by $1.5 million in 2025-26, $1 million in 2026-27, $750,000 in 2027-28 and $500,000 in 2028-29 gained some ground with 41 percent of the vote but failed 1,043 to 731.

“The community has spoken,” Arcadia Superintendent Lori Frerk said. “While these may not be the results we had hoped for, they are the reality we must navigate as we plan for the 2025-26 school year. Our priority remains ensuring that any necessary budget adjustments minimize the impact on student learning.”

Both the Independence and Whitehall districts had referendums pass. 

Independence’s vote was closer, but 423 voters in Trempealeau and Buffalo counties approved allowing the district to exceed revenue limits by $900,000 per year for three years, while 384 were opposed.

“Thank you to the residents of the Independence School District for your continued support,” Independence Superintendent Paul Franzwa said. “We will remain transparent with our budgeting and spending with a focus on student learning and achievement as we move forward.”

Whitehall’s passed with considerable support as 910 voters approved allowing the district to exceed revenue limits by $1.25 million each year for two years.

“On behalf of the Whitehall School District, I want to express our sincere gratitude to our community for supporting the operating referendum,” Whitehall Superintendent Mike Beighley said. “Your willingness to invest in our schools despite the divisive political forces that seek to undermine public education demonstrates a shared commitment to our students, staff, and the future of the greater Whitehall community.”

Though Beighley also noted issues with the system that saw 62 schools statewide ask taxpayers for permission to exceed revenue limits last Tuesday, according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website. Thirty-five operating referendums passed. 

“We recognize that this system of relying on referendums to fund essential educational needs is unsustainable,” Beighley said. “We must continue to advocate for long-term solutions that ensure every student has access to the quality future-based education they deserve. Thank you for standing with us and for our schools.”

The village of Trempealeau had another referendum asking taxpayers if the village should borrow up to $250,000 for a train quiet study zone through the village. That failed, 545 to 239. 

School Boards See Shakeup

The Arcadia School District knew it would have at least two new members Tuesday’s election ousted the one incumbent who was running for reelection.

Rodney Walters, the board’s vice president, was among five candidates seeking three spots on the ballot, but he received the fourth most votes. Two other board members, Paul Servais and Diana Tempski, did not seek reelection. 

Walters received 870 votes, behind Vickie Kreibich (905), Gary Pronschinske (1,005) and Adam Schlesser (1,117). Robert Ortez also ran and received 481 votes.

The Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau school board will also see some changes and nearly saw its president ousted.

Adam Leavitt survived a challenge from Scotti Berg by just three votes, 1,594 to 1,591. Berg received the only vote cast for either in Jackson County. 

One current board member, Ryan Vinzant, lost his race though he wasn’t technically an incumbent. Vinzant has been on the board since January when he was appointed to fill the at-large position, which was vacated by the resignation of Pat Malone. But in last Tuesday’s election, Vinzant sought the board’s village of Trempealeau post to replace Larry Moore, who chose not to seek reelection. But Vinzant lost to Sara Olson, 1,689 to 1,498. Olson ran for the post in 2022 and 2023, losing to Moore both times. 

Another new member will be Amy Schaefer, who won the at-large position uncontested. She was a finalist for the position before the January vote in which Vinzant was appointed. 

Ekern tops Bautch in only city race

The current Independence city council president will remain on the council after defeating the former city clerk.

Jason Ekern came away with a 108 to 39 victory over Tiffany Bautch. Ekern had been filling in as the city’s mayor since the mid-February resignation of longtime Mayor Robert Baecker. Though, the city hoped to appoint a new mayor at Monday’s meeting. 

Bautch resigned her position as clerk last month after the council refused a list of several demands including a pay raise to $45 per hour and the construction of a new city hall within five years. 

The council will have a new member representing its second ward as Tim Hanson elected to step aside. Elaine Conrad received three write-in votes, one more than registered write-in candidate Erika Powers. 

Rob Grover and Jean Seely will take over two of Galesville’s alderperson positions after each received 25 votes as registered write-ins. Grover’s position was vacated by Bruce Bender and Seely’s by Diane Redsten. Dave Carlson was unopposed in District Two. 

Another registered write-in was elected in Arcadia as Dave Patzner won the second ward position with 35 votes. Brock Haines chose not to seek reelection. Jason Lockington and Adam Guenther won their positions on the council unopposed. 

Townships See Changes

While there was only one contested city election, there were several in local townships.

Aaron Anderegg defeated incumbent town of Preston Chair Darrel Nelson, 249-108. Sam Overlien (171) and Ron Solberg (168) were the top two vote-getters for the two open supervisor positions. Solberg was an incumbent and Overlien beat another incumbent, Phil Johnson. Sara Johnson received 92 votes in the same race. 

Jerry Deetz defeated Greg Kruger, 176 to 119, for the Albion Town Chair position.

Avis Thorson topped Charles Kulas for the town of Arcadia clerk position, 145 to 36. Both were registered write-ins. 

Michael Anderson and Natasha Olson were elected to the town of Ettrick board. The race had four candidates with the top two vote-getters being elected. Olson had 303 votes, Anderson, 299; Kevin Lien, 174 and Robbie Lien, 145.

Eric Franson defeated Greg Fonstad, 259-206, for the town of Hale chair position. Fonstad also lost the Supervisor Two position to Dustin Barilani, 234 to 215. 

Steve Sheffer defeated Rick Weltzien, 376-276, for a supervisor position in the town of Trempealeau.