MADISON, Wis. -- It’s official, Madison homeowners will be asked to vote on three school referenda in late May.

School Board President Bill Keys said, "This community is at a crossroads. This will determine what type of schools we want."

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But one man opposed to the referenda thinks Madison residents can keep good schools if the district is more creative.

There was a slight change Monday night with the school board’s third referendum question asking voters to support a one-time $7.4 million referendum for operating expenses to keep all programs in place.

At one point in time the board had considered asking taxpayers for three years of operating expenses, but political pressure with two of seven candidates up for re-election, in part, forced the change.

The school board has already said popular programs like strings and certain sports are on the chopping block.

But, a critic of the referenda said the board is threatening to cut popular program to help the referenda's chances.

"They want to do exactly the same thing this year as they did last year only it's going to cost more to do that without any regard to what is working or what isn't working, just throw more money at it," said Don Severson.

Severson runs the non-profit group Active Citizens for Education.

Severson promised that ACE will inform citizens of the issues on the referenda, but won’t take a yes or no stance.

Severson himself admits he is voting no on all three referendum questions.

"It's not scare tactics," said Keyes. "It's saying, look guys, ante up big time. We realize that, but we think it's a small investment for the return to the community.

Here is how the referenda break down and affect homeowners:

Operating Expense Question

The question approved Monday night is for $7.4 million in operating expenses. It would cost the average owner of a $205,000 home an additional $83 every year. That would last forever.

Leopold Question

The district is seeking $14.5 million for a second school on the Leopold Elementary site. That would cost the average homeowner $25 for the next 15 years.

Maintenance Question

This question is seeking $26.2 million for building maintenance over the next five years. This question would replace a current five-year spending plan, so the $82 is already on the property tax bill. If voters vote no on this question it would decrease a property tax bill by $82.

The questions will be posed to voters during a special referendum on May 24. Two board members, Bill Clingan and Carol Carstensen are up for re-election on April 5.