Voters in Glendale and River Hills are headed for a big decision on April 7, when they will weigh in on a four-year, $5 million per year operating referendum that district leaders say is crucial to keeping class sizes small and programs like Tech Ed, STEAM, music and world language in place. District officials say the non-recurring measure would replace temporary referendums that are expiring and would help avoid deep cuts to staff and student supports. The question will appear on the Spring Election ballot for all registered Glendale-River Hills voters.
What's on the Ballot
The referendum question asks whether the Glendale-River Hills School District may exceed state revenue limits by $5,000,000 per year for four years to cover operational expenses and maintain district programs. The full ballot text and a detailed FAQ are posted by the district, according to the Glendale-River Hills School District.
How Much Would Taxes Rise?
Local estimates put the tax impact at about $41 for every $100,000 of property value, which works out to roughly $82 a year on a $200,000 home and $164 on a $400,000 home. That would lift the school mill rate to an estimated $6.75 per $1,000 of assessed value. Those figures appear in local coverage of the referendum, according to WUWM.
Early Voting and Who Can Vote
Any registered voter who lives in the Glendale-River Hills district can cast a ballot on the question, and in-person absentee voting is set to begin Tuesday, March 24, at municipal clerk offices. The City of Glendale lists City Hall hours and absentee options on its elections page, and the Village of River Hills posts voting and registration details on its site, according to the City of Glendale and the Village of River Hills. Voters are urged to contact their municipal clerk for hours and ID requirements before voting in person.
Why This Vote Matters Locally
District officials say the referendum is intended to close a looming “revenue cliff” by replacing two temporary $4.5 million measures that have helped pay for staffing and programs, and note that the district serves roughly 960 670 students across Parkway Elementary and Glen Hills Middle, according to the district's referendum materials posted by the Glendale-River Hills School District. The local decision is unfolding as part of a wider statewide trend, with dozens of districts seeking operating increases this spring and several districts and unions filing a school-funding lawsuit in February, as reported by The Associated Press.
Where to Learn More
The Spring Election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2026. For sample ballots, registration deadlines and absentee instructions, voters can visit the state's MyVote portal at MyVote Wisconsin. For additional background on the proposal and links to district materials, readers can look to coverage from WUWM.
