Dozens of jobs affected in Fond du Lac School District due to referendum not passing

This article has been rewritten to reflect a misunderstanding of the original press release. In the release it stated 83 positions were cut with 27 layoffs. This was taken as two separate numbers that totaled over 100 jobs lost. In reality the 27 layoffs are included in the 83 with the balance of positions not being refilled as people retire or resign.

On Monday, April 14, the Fond du Lac School Board met to discuss and vote on proposed budget reductions following the failure of the April 1st operational referendum. After the meeting, the board entered executive session to determine staff layoffs.

During public comment, Fond du Lac Education Association (FEA) President Andy Brault addressed the board and urged them to delay the vote to give the community time to review the proposed cuts and offer feedback.

“While I remain hopeful that the state will eventually do what’s right, we also have to prepare for the reality that additional support may not come,” Brault said. “On behalf of the Fond du Lac Education Association, I urge you to make decisions tonight that set this district up for success — especially if we plan to go back to the community with another referendum next April.”

Brault made two specific requests:

• That the board delay its vote on the 2025–2026 budget reductions to allow for public input and consider scheduling a special meeting.
  
• That the broader discussion about which positions may be eliminated occur in open session to ensure transparency.
  

“Our teachers, staff, administrators, and the families we serve deserve transparency,” Brault added. “Show this community that you’re committed to open and honest governance — it’s a necessary step toward rebuilding public trust and support.”

Despite these pleas from the FEA and other community members, the board unanimously approved the budget cuts as presented by district administration.

While the FEA is disappointed that the board did not allow more time for community engagement or schedule a second meeting, we applaud the board for several important decisions:

• Choosing not to freeze teacher pay
  
• Deciding against closing any schools
  
• Asking thoughtful, substantive questions about the proposed reductions
  

The FEA also commends Board Member Mark Henschel and incoming Superintendent Matt Steinbarth for their continued advocacy for increased state funding. We strongly encourage all board members and district leaders to join us in calling for a fair and sustainable solution to Wisconsin’s school funding challenges. The FEA stands ready to work side-by-side with the board and administration in this effort.

Looking ahead, the FEA is hopeful that a new school board and superintendent will bring a renewed commitment to collaborative, community-centered decision making. We encourage district leadership to:

• Be intentional in reducing administrative costs through attrition
  
• Reverse budget cuts when additional funding becomes available — specifically, by restoring cut positions and reducing high school teacher workloads from 6 classes back down to 5
  

The district has announced it will cut 83 positions, with 27 layoffs expected. While many of these reductions may occur through attrition, the FEA urges the board to use the general fund to reduce the number of staff being laid off. We understand this may only be a short-term solution, but it is a critical step in protecting students and maintaining stability.

Finally, we urge the school board and district administration to begin preparing a clear, community-focused plan to pass a future referendum. The FEA looks forward to collaborating with the board and administration in this effort.