Majority of support for operational referendum for Milwaukee Public Schools

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- There appears to be a majority of support for an operational referendum for Milwaukee Public Schools. Members of the "Yes for MPS" coalition and other groups announced the results of a poll on Monday, Dec. 9. 

The poll showed 62 percent of primary election-eligible voters would vote yes for the referendum. 

Currently there's a few referendum scenarios on the table from $83 million to a plan with a full increase of $640 million. 

Homes assessed at the median sale price of about $150,000 would see their property taxes rise by nearly $2,000 under the full plan. 

Despite the high price tag, many say the funding is desperately needed. 

"We are well into a decade of disinvestment, de-funding, and starving MPS, but that era is coming to an end... and this is the next step," said President of Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association, Amy Mizialko. 

Milwaukee Public Schools is the largest district in Wisconsin, and is one of just a few districts that haven't gone to referendum in 20 years. 

Proponents hope to get the questions on the April 7 ballot.