MPS referendum in April ballot: Here's how much you are asked to contribute to generate education funding

MILWAUKEE, (CBS 58) -- A referendum question, meant to help generate education funding, on the election ballot this April is stirring up some controversy in Milwaukee. 

Milwaukee Public Schools is facing a $200 million budget shortfall for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year due to a lack of funding from the state that hasn't adjusted for inflation since 2009.

"For the first time in the schools' history, we have a full time librarian...in addition, we've increased our foreign language offerings and added a high school music program," said MacDowell Montessori School Principal Andrea Corona.

Corona told CBS 58 News the referendum to raise city property taxes would help maintain all sorts of programs and renovations.

"The district has provided 94% of their budget directly to schools so that school leaders and communities can make these kinds of investments," she said.

MPS Legislative Policy Manager Christopher Thiel said the problem is that state funding has not kept up over time.

"The reason now is because over the last 16 years the state has not provided per pupil funding that's kept pace with inflation," he said.

MPS is just one of 90 Wisconsin school districts pursuing a referendum this spring, and if majority votes no, they will be faced with severe cuts to staff and programming.

The question breaks down how taxpayers will provide that money yearly, but it doesn't clearly state that taxpayers would need to contribute $216 per $100,000 of assessed property value over a course of four years.

Here's what you will find on the spring ballot:

"I don't have trouble making ends meet so to me that's still a lot," said Susan Stoner.

Stoner told CBS 58 that she worked for MPS for nearly 30 years and understands the ongoing internal struggles. However, she still feels like it's a big ask.

"I am simply saying: are there other ways that we can look to relieve that financial burden before we put it on the backs of taxpayers who may or may not be in a position to take that on?"

Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who supports this, said it's a tool that's been used in the past to raise additional revenue.

"Some 80% of school districts across the state of Wisconsin have utilized referendums for one issue or another," Mayor Johnson stated.

Supporters say it's an investment in the future leaders of tomorrow.

"We should all make an investment in supporting education because we'll see the impact of that on our community, in our economy, in so many ways," Corona added.

On April 2, voters will get to decide.