John Gittings:

The Mauston School District, which officials say is likely to dissolve in two years without additional funding, is putting its third operating referendum in less than a year on the Feb. 18 spring primary ballot.

During a special meeting earlier this month, the Mauston School Board unanimously voted to put a four-year, $7 million measure on the ballot, which will include a primary election for state superintendent of public instruction. That same referendum failed by 69 votes on Nov. 5, when it was rejected 2,635 to 2,566, or 50.7% to 49.3%.

Later in November, the district began the process of dissolving by the 2026-27 school year, saying it would no long be able to fund operations.

Mauston School District Superintendent Joel Heesch said area stakeholders advised him and the board to retry the $1.75 million per year referendum after the narrow rejection on Nov. 5.