Mauston school district may dissolve

Mauston school officials say the district may dissolve if residents don’t approve a referendum. The school board approved a measure allowing for dissolution on Monday, after a pair of spending questions failed in the last two elections. Superintendent Joel Heesch says the district will run out of money when the 2026 school year starts.

The board is considering cutting all athletics, field trips, clubs and closing an elementary school next year just to stay afloat. Mauston is the largest school district in Juneau County and it’s unclear what would happen if the district folds.