Residents of the Iola-Scandinavia School District express strong pride in their schools while showing openness to a smaller operational referendum in November, according to a community survey released after voters rejected a multi-year funding proposal in April.
The Iola-Scandinavia School District, which serves about 580-600 students in this rural central Wisconsin community, conducted the survey after the April 7 defeat of a four-year, non-recurring operational referendum. That measure sought to exceed the state-imposed revenue limit by $1.6 million in the 2026-27 school year and $2 million annually through 2029-30.
The survey drew 211 responses from roughly 2,500 registered voters across the villages of Iola and Scandinavia and surrounding towns. It highlights both deep community attachment to the schools and fiscal caution.
Demographic breakdown
Respondents represent a cross-section heavily weighted toward established residents. Adults ages 45-54 accounted for 27.5% and those 35-44 for 27%, while residents 65 and older made up 21.3%. Geographically, responses came from Iola at 24.6%, Scandinavia at 22.3%, New Hope at 23.2%, Wyoming at 12.3%, Amherst at 9.5%, and other areas at 8%. More than 73% have lived in the district at least 10 years, with 34.1% residing there more than 30 years.
The results show high overall satisfaction. Residents frequently describe the schools as a warm, supportive, close-knit community that provides the benefits of a small-town education and serves as the emotional and social anchor for Iola, Scandinavia, and nearby municipalities.
Financial pressures rank as a top concern. More than 80% of respondents agree or strongly agree that the district’s urgent needs should be addressed now. They point to the tax impact as too high, ineffective communication, insufficient spending reductions, and unclear explanations of needs as reasons for the April defeat.
Support for another measure appears viable. More than 72% say they would definitely or probably back an operational referendum this fall. Two options were tested:
Option 1 — $1.2 million increase in 2026-27 and $1.5 million for each of the next three years — received 52.1% definite support and 15.6% probable support.
Option 2 — $1.4 million in 2026-27 and $1.7 million annually thereafter — drew 48.8% definite support and 14.7% probable support.
The district recommends advancing Option 1 on the November ballot because of its stronger baseline support and lower tax sensitivity for older and fixed-income groups. It also calls for a redesigned communication strategy that prioritizes physical mailings, simple graphics, clear explanations of state funding shortfalls, public town halls and active use of the district website and social media.
The district has already implemented initial budget cuts of about $500,000 following the April loss, including staff reductions, fewer field trips and athletic coaches, cuts to information technology and halted maintenance projects. Officials say more reductions remain necessary without additional revenue.
Broader context
Like many small Wisconsin districts, Iola-Scandinavia has relied on voter-approved referendums for nearly a decade to bridge gaps created by revenue limits that have not kept pace with inflation, declining enrollment and fixed costs. The April outcome reflects wider tensions in rural communities: strong attachment to local schools as community hubs versus resistance to higher property taxes.
As of mid-2026, district officials are reviewing survey data and community feedback to shape a potential November proposal. Success could depend on presenting a more modest request, demonstrating spending restraint and improving outreach to tax-sensitive voters, particularly longtime residents 65 and older.
The findings position officials to refine their approach as they consider seeking voter approval again for long-term operational stability. Without broader state reforms, such as inflation-adjusted funding, targeted rural aid or revenue limit changes, many small districts are expected to remain in a cycle of referendums, cuts and uncertainty.
