MADISON, Wis. -- Two questions failed and one passed in Tuesday's controversial special school referendum.

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Officials had expected about 20 percent turnout, and this proved to be right on the mark, News 3 reported.

Questions 1 and 2 would have raised homeowners' tax bills. Question 3 equates to a renewal of the current maintenance package for the school district for five years. Even though Question 3 passed, the average homeowner will see no tax increase -- voting it down would have decreased the average tax bill by $83. So, in effect, the referendum won't affect tax bills next year, News 3 reported.

After results came in Tuesday night, Superintendent Art Rainwater said there are no wins or losses here.

"These are community schools," Rainwater said. "The community decides. Choices are already in place. We have cuts already decided, and we will implement those." ( Budget Cuts List pdf)

Rainwater said overcrowding at Leopold remains a big question.

Results: Complete Breakdown by Ward/District

Question 1: New School At Leopold Site -- Fails

Question 1 would have allocated $14.5 million to build a new elementary school at the same site as Leopold Elementary on the south side of Madison. The question failed by a 53 perecent to 46 percent margin -- that's roughly 3,000 votes.

Question 1

Question 2: Exceed Revenue Caps -- Fails

Question 2

Question 2 asked for permission to exceed spending limits. It could have raised the average homeowner's tax bill about $83.

Carol Carstensen said her side is disappointed overall, but pleased the third question passed. Now, the school district will look at layoffs and cutting programs, Carstensen told News 3.

"We will be faced with a very difficult situation," Carstensen said. "The city will be quite surprised to see the consequences. I would hope that people were more thoughtful than the no voters."

Carstensen also said in the long term, the school board will probably look at another referendum. ( Budget Cuts List pdf)

Question 3: More Money For Maintenance -- Passes

Question 3

Question 3 was the one question that passed. It will allow the school district to allocate $26.2 million over the next five years for upkeep on the schools. It passed by roughly a 53 percent to 47 percent margin.

Kirby Brant, president of Get Real PAC, which campaigned against the referendums, said his camp is celebrating.

"This is a victory for education," Brant told News 3. "The other side tried to back us into a corner of just being interested in a few bucks. That's not the case. This school district doesn't budget with a concern for what the money is doing. They only look at what was spent last year and how much they can add on this year. That results in a referendum every year."