District overview
Webster School District
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
How is Webster School District paid for?
The School District of Webster serves Webster and nearby parts of Burnett County (and a small part of Douglas County) with a PK-4 elementary, a 5-8 middle school and a 9-12 high school, about 620 students. Wisconsin limits how much a district can raise, and the limit follows student counts and a state per-student amount. Voters approved a three-year, $1.8 million-a-year operating referendum on April 7, 2026 (57% support per the district), for non-recurring purposes. A seven-member board hires the district administrator, Joshua Hetfeld.
Referendum
Authority to exceed the revenue limit by $1,800,000 per year for three years. The district projects a $56 a year increase on a $100,000 home.
Mill rate
The district says it has the lowest mill rate of 39 schools in its region.
Short-term borrowing
The board considered an $800,000 temporary borrowing in December 2025 and a line of credit up to $2.5 million in October 2026.
Reasons given
The district says state funding has not kept pace with inflation, and the referendum aims to stabilize finances, reduce short-term borrowing, maintain programs and keep buildings adequate.
None of this means the district is poorly run; the district says strong stewardship kept it stable. This page is built from agendas only, so budget totals, the tax levy and spending per student are not shown.
Where the district stands
Major projects
2026 operating referendum
approved by voters April 7, 2026The board called the election in January 2026 and held community information meetings on February 19 and March 31. The district reports 57% support.
- Board resolutions
- Community information meeting
- Election
Funding
Property tax above the revenue limit, per year for three years
Facilities assessment
in progressMiron Construction and DSGW Architects presented progress in May 2026. Committee agendas list elementary heating and cooling, flooring and roof warranty work, a duplex project with a solar grant and disposal of the Alder Street rental property.
- Facility study proposals considered
- Progress presentation
Funding
Not stated in the agendas
Strategic plan
approved March 2026 agenda itemThe March 16, 2026 agenda lists review and approval of the district strategic plan.
- Plan on agenda
Funding
No cost stated
Recent news
View the news feed →Resources
Practical guides to school phone policies, district budgets, and administrator hiring.
Explore resources →Built from 77 board and committee agendas (November 2025 to November 2026) listed on the district website, and the technology responsible use policy.
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