Voters across southeastern Wisconsin headed to the polls on April 7, 2026, to determine the future leadership of several local education systems. The Milwaukee-area election results for school boards, referendums in Waukesha and more, highlight a significant day of civic engagement across Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, and Ozaukee counties.
These nonpartisan races, which began reporting results after polls closed at 8 p.m. CT, saw candidates compete for seats on school boards, city councils, and judiciary benches. The day also included the state’s only statewide election for the Supreme Court, placing these local educational contests within a broader landscape of judicial and administrative shifts.
The scope of the elections was vast, touching numerous districts and specific funding measures known as referendums. From the urban centers of Milwaukee County to the suburban stretches of Waukesha and the northern reaches of Ozaukee and Washington counties, the outcomes will dictate the governance and fiscal priorities of the region’s schools for the coming years.
Milwaukee County School Board and Referendum Outcomes
In Milwaukee County, the election cycle touched a wide array of districts. Voters cast ballots for school board seats and critical referendums that often determine funding for facilities, technology, and staffing. The races included the following districts:
- Cudahy School Board
- Franklin School Board
- Greendale School Board
- Nicolet School Board
- Oak Creek-Franklin School Board
- South Milwaukee School Board
- Wauwatosa School Board
- West Allis-West Milwaukee School Board
- Whitnall School District
voters in the Glendale-Fox Point and Whitefish Bay districts were tasked with deciding on specific referendums. These votes are pivotal as they often involve direct tax implications for residents to support educational improvements.
The Wauwatosa School District, specifically, is governed by a seven-member board where members serve three-year terms according to the district’s official board information. The April 7 results will determine who fills the seats currently up for election in this locally-elected body.
Waukesha County Educational Leadership and Referendums
Waukesha County saw a high volume of activity, with school board races and referendums spanning several high-profile districts. The election results for school boards in this region include:
- Arrowhead School Board
- Elmbrook School Board
- Hamilton School Board
- Hartland-Lakeside School Board
- Kettle Moraine School Board
- Menomonee Falls School Board
- Muskego-Norway School Board
- New Berlin School Board
- Swallow School District
- Waukesha School District
Beyond the board seats, the Lake Country School District held a referendum, which serves as a critical mechanism for the district to seek voter approval for specific financial measures or operational changes.
The School District of Waukesha continues to operate with a Board of Education where certain terms extend through 2028 as noted in their board member records. The recent election results will integrate new or returning leadership into this governance structure.
Ozaukee and Washington County Results
The electoral process extended into Ozaukee and Washington counties, focusing on the stability and direction of their respective school boards. In Ozaukee County, the key races centered on:
- Cedarburg School Board
- Port Washington-Saukville School Board
Similarly, in Washington County, the general election for the April 2026 cycle focused on the Germantown School Board. These races, while smaller in geographic scale than the Milwaukee metropolitan core, carry equal weight in determining the local educational policies and budget allocations for their communities.
Understanding the Impact of School Board Elections
School board elections are nonpartisan, meaning candidates do not run under a political party banner. Though, the outcomes are deeply impactful. Board members are responsible for hiring the superintendent, approving the annual budget, and setting the academic standards for the district. When a board member is elected, they typically serve a multi-year term—such as the three-year terms seen in Wauwatosa—providing a period of stability for district planning.
Referendums, are direct votes by the community on specific issues. Unlike board elections, which choose people, referendums choose policies or funding levels. If a referendum passes, it typically allows a district to levy additional taxes to fund specific projects, such as new building construction or specialized educational programs.
Key Takeaways from the April 2026 Elections
- Broad Geography: Elections spanned four major counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, and Ozaukee.
- Diverse Scope: The ballot included both leadership races (School Boards) and fiscal decisions (Referendums).
- Nonpartisan Nature: All school board races were conducted as nonpartisan contests.
- Concurrent Voting: Local school races coincided with city council, judiciary, and a statewide Supreme Court election.
For those seeking the most current and granular vote tallies, official results are typically certified by the respective county clerks. Residents are encouraged to visit their local district’s official website or the county election board for final, certified counts.
The next official step in this process will be the certification of the results by the county boards of elections, followed by the swearing-in ceremonies for the newly elected board members.
Do you have thoughts on the recent school board changes in your district? Share your views in the comments below and share this article with your community to retain them informed.