$1.6B on the Ballot for MN School Districts Nov. 4
On Nov. 4, 79 school districts are going to their voters for building bonds, capital project levies and/or operating referendums.
$1.6 Billion is on the ballots for capital improvements, maintenance, safety and technology in 45 MN school districts:
- $976 million in 24 districts for building bonds. Six districts have two questions for a total of 30 ballot questions; and
- $621 million in 22 districts for capital project levies. One district is asking for both a building bond and capital projects levy.
- “Safety or Security” is included in the ballot language for 29 building bonds or capital project levies;
- “Maintenance or Deferred Maintenance” is included in 17 districts’ building bond ballot language.
In addition, 43 districts are asking for voter approved operating referendum increases. The average increase is $818 per pupil (APU). Nine districts are asking for an operating referendum and either a building bond or capital improvements levy.
Download run of districts, type of referendum, dollars asked and ballot language.
MREA wishes all these districts success with their voters. The scope of these questions and that the average operating referendum increase requested of $818 is 11% of the FY25 Basic Formula should let anyone know MN schools are underfunded for their core mission of educating students.
Thank you to MSBA for gathering and sharing this information.