The West Bend School District's annual budget is a financial plan that allows for the implementation of its educational programs and aligns with its Continuous Improvement Plan. The budget is balanced each year through a year-long process and carefully managed with measured allocation of resources in light of State of Wisconsin mandated revenue limits. The budget is presented to the West Bend School Board each year for approval and modified with the board's approval as necessary. It complies with all current federal and state school finance regulations.
Contacts
Jennifer Wimmer
Superintendent
262-335-5435
jwimmer@wbsd-schools.org
Andrew Sarnow
Asst. Superintendent of Business and Operations
262-335-5403
asarnow@wbsd-schools.org
Julie Marx
Comptroller/Controller
262-335-5428
jmarx@wbsd-schools.org
Public School Financing in Wisconsin
What is the Total Revenue Limit Authority? Or the Revenue Limit Tax Levy? Funding for public schools in Wisconsin can get complicated...But we have broken it down for you in this easy-to-use brochure with details and charts.
To learn more about school funding, check out this video developed by the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials and the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association along with Captivate Media + Consulting.
2023-2024 Budget
Budget Publication (published in Washington County Daily News on Sept. 15)
Budget Hearing and Annual Meeting Agenda, etc.
Supplemental Budget Information
Budget Timeline
Planning for a yearly school district budget begins right after the previous budget is approved. Review the yearly West Bend School District budget timeline for the highlights of what happens and when.
Where the Money Comes From
The West Bend School District achieves effective management of resources while creating and maintaining the best possible school environment. The yearly budget includes the labor, materials, and resources needed to offer a comprehensive education and maintain the schools. We believe that a financially strong public school system benefits all stakeholders and we are happy to continue to be a vital part of our communities.
Funding for the budget comes primarily from two sources: local property taxes and state general aid.
Where Does the Money Go?
One part of the budget that is levied through the local property taxes is for private school vouchers as part of the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. The program allows students whose families meet certain income qualifications the ability to attend a participating private or religious school of their choice tuition free. The amount the West Bend School District is required to levy to fund private school vouchers has increased in the past five years.
In 2021, 46 cents of the total $7.97 mill rate was levied to fund vouchers. This is the equivalent of $46 on every $100,000 of property.
Mill Rate Information
Once the total tax levy is determined, it is divided by the total equalized property values across all municipalities within the district. The quotient is multiplied by $1,000 to determine the final mill rate for each taxable property in the school district.
Bond Rating
The bond rating agency S&P Global Ratings has given the West Bend School District the AA- rating and stable outlook.
Financial Planning Strategy - Debt
As part of its long-term financial planning strategy, the West Bend School Board and district have actively managed the debt repayment from the 2009 and 2012 referendums. The school board’s strategy for debt repayments resulted in several positive developments:
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Refinancing of bonds to gain a lower interest rate in summer 2021 resulted in $130,000 interest cost savings
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Levied monies will be placed in an interest-bearing account, otherwise known as defeasance, for accelerated repayment while maintaining a mill rate among the lowest in the state
These strategies have resulted in reduced interest costs and the opportunity to pay off the debt in 14 years (2009 referendum) and 11 years (2012 referendum) rather than the original 20 years that were estimated at the time of the referendums. By paying off debt in 2023, the district saved approximately $1,170,000 in interest expense.
Maintenance of Facilities
The goal of the West Bend School District Facilities Department team is to be a leader in the field that is distinguished by providing excellent stewardship to our community and service to our customers in a cost effective, efficient, and sustainable manner. The Facilities Department provides cost-effective and efficient planning, project management, construction, and maintenance services for all West Bend School District buildings and grounds.
| 13 buildings | 1,208,841 total square footage | 201 total acres |
Audited Financial Reports
Previous Budgets
2022-2023
2021-2022
2020-2021
