Referendum 2021

Levy Renewal

The current operating levy, which generates more than $11 million in annual funding (or about $1,288 per student), will expire at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. If a new levy is not approved in November 2021, the district will be out that money and would face significant budget cuts for the 2021-2022 school year and beyond.

Possible Levy Increase

In addition to renewing the levy, the board also has the option to ask for a levy increase. The district could increase authority up to an additional $530 per students, which would result in nearly $5 million in additional revenue.

A capital projects levy allows district to generate additional revenue for technology and capital projects.

The board is considering asking voters to support a capital projects levy specifically for technology. We are one of only a handful of districts in the metro area without a dedicated source of funding for technology. A tech levy would provide funds for devices, infrastructure and even technology staffing - freeing up thousands of dollars in our general fund to support our students.

As part of a recent long-range facilities study, the Community Design Team (CDT) identified numerous needs - the most pressing of which is providing more space for students in the southern part of the district. With significant growth occurring in Lake Elmo and Woodbury, a community group has recommended replacing the aging Lake Elmo Elementary, adding on to Brookview Elementary and making other improvements to district facilities to address inequity in learning spaces and overcrowding. The board is working to identify its priorities and determining the cost of various projects.

Community Design Team's Recommendation