Wauwatosa school referenda passes with more than 50% of the votes

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Residents in Wauwatosa have voted to pass a multi-million-dollar school referenda.

At the Little Village Play Cafe, some parents say they're grateful the referendum passed and that their kids will now have updated facilities. Kelly Steadman is a Wauwatosa mom who voted year for both referenda. Both passed with more than 50% of the vote.  

The first question was a capital referendum that asked for $60 million dollars over 20 years. It allows the Wauwatosa School District to address maintenance costs at multiple schools and make sure they meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The second question was an optional referendum that asked voters to raise the district's budget by $16.1 million dollars every year until the 2028-29 school year.

Steadman says the money will help the Tosa district address maintenance costs at multiple schools. 

“I know a lot of parents felt nervous and were worried that it wouldn’t pass. But I think given the whole political landscape, it’s refreshing to know that we’re in a community that believes in support, education, and our children," said Steadman. 

Earlier this year, the Wauwatosa School District revealed it had a $4 million budget error. Opponents of the referendum told CBS 58 they were concerned about something like that happening again. 

“I know a lot of parents felt nervous and were worried that it wouldn’t pass. But I think given the whole political landscape, it’s refreshing to know that we’re in a community that believes in support, education, and our children," said Steadman.

Property owners will have a tax increase of $210 per $100,000 their home is worth. For example, a $300,000 home will pay an additional $630 in taxes. 

More than a dozen school referenda passed in the Milwaukee area.