On November 3, 2020, Waconia Public Schools (ISD 110) residents will vote on a school funding request for an operating levy increase. If approved by voters, the funds would be used to maintain our educational programs, and continue to provide the quality education the community expects and our students deserve.
Read the press release on the School Board’s unanimous decision. Click here
Learn more about the Special Education cross-subsidy. Click here
The ballot question will ask voters to consider approving a levy that would generate $410 of increased revenue per student. The resulting total of nearly $2 million per year would enable the district to maintain our educational programs, and continue to provide the quality education the community expects and our students deserve. If approved, Levy 2020 would have a tax impact of less than $20 per month on a $350,000 home -- which is the average value of a home in the area. CALCULATE TAX IMPACT
The state recently changed how it reimburses school districts for special education expenses. While the state and federal governments have never fully reimbursed these expenses - which has a negative impact on districts across the state - the change was particularly devastating for ISD 110. The amount of money ISD 110 must pull from its budget to cover those expenses more than doubled in the past 5 years, resulting in an unanticipated major hit to the budget.
The result created a perfect storm causing the district’s current financial challenges: an unexpected change in how districts are reimbursed for special education costs, state education funding not keeping pace with inflation, and a strategic decision to draw down reserves rather than eliminate programs in support of the district’s commitment to academic excellence.
ISD 110’s current operating levy is lower than most school districts in the area - and would remain below many if the levy request is approved. These voter-approved levies are one way local communities support their schools by providing funding for staff, classroom supplies, and other critical school operating costs.
IF APPROVED:
- Continue offering high quality programming
- Maintain current class sizes
- Continue offering electives
- Add programming based on student interests and passions
IF NOT APPROVED:
- Reduction in programming
- Larger class sizes
- Fewer elective and activities offerings
- Staff reductions
- Make more than $1 million additional cuts
If you have questions, please contact:
Phone: (952) 442-0611
Email: Levy2020@isd110.org