Most Kenosha households would support a monthly property tax increase of $10 to $30 to keep school programs in place, according to a community poll presented to the Kenosha Unified School Board on October 27.
Morris Leatherman Company conducted the poll by phone with 400 randomly selected district households between September 30 and October 13. The School Board had hired the firm in August as part of its planning for a possible referendum.
About 80 percent of those surveyed supported a tax increase to maintain programming, while about half described themselves as financially stressed. Support dropped sharply as the proposed monthly increase rose from $10 toward $30.
On the same day the results were presented, the board adopted the district's 2026-27 budget, which carries a structural deficit of about $17.8 million.
Under Wisconsin's revenue limits, the district can only exceed its allowed property tax levy with voter approval. Results of an ERS staffing audit are scheduled to be presented at a board meeting in November, and the board is considering a possible operational referendum in April 2027.
