(WORT) — For many rural communities there is a lot at stake in the upcoming April 5th elections.

72 school districts around the state have referendums on the ballot, many of which are seeking to maintain operations without cutting programs or staff.

That’s what officials from the Montello School District in Marquette County are facing. They are asking taxpayers for over $1 million a year for the next three years, just to keep their doors open. Cameron Bren reports.