School board approves preliminary levy certification; seeks voter approval for $6 million-a-year safety and technology levy

The Roseville Area School Board on Thursday certified its preliminary levy at the maximum and moved forward public information about a proposed safety and technology capital projects levy that would provide $6 million a year for 10 years if voters approve it on Nov. 4. The measure is intended to fund cameras, secure entrances, cybersecurity, classroom devices and network infrastructure. The levy proposal, presented by Executive Director Sherry Thompson, would generate $60 million over a decade and is described in district materials as dedicated to three categories: safety and security, student learning technology, and communications and connections. "If approved by voters, the levy will provide $6,000,000 per year for 10 years to support security and technology related expenses such as acquiring, maintaining, and upgrading equipment, infrastructure, and systems," Thompson said. The district estimates a household tax impact of about $18 per month on a $350,000 home; Thompson directed residents to a web tax calculator for parcel-specific estimates. The ballot language shown to the board lists permitted uses and notes the measure, if approved, is a property tax increase and that funds would be restricted to the uses stated on the ballot. Board members and staff emphasized timeline and alternatives. Thompson said, "If that is approved in November, it becomes part of the school board's certification of your levy in December, and then looking at next calendar year 2026 the money would start to flow with that first advance in property taxes in May." She added that without a dedicated capital levy, technology and safety costs would compete with classroom and operating funds. The board also certified its preliminary general levy for fiscal 2026–27 at the maximum; administration reported a projected overall tax levy decrease of about 3.03 percent compared with the prior calculation. The board then voted to approve the preliminary levy certification. The motion carried after an aye vote; minutes show the motion passed but do not record individual roll-call votes. The district will host two recorded community information sessions about the levy on Sept. 30 and Oct. 6 and has posted FAQs and a tax calculator on its website. Thompson said the district could not legally increase property taxes on its own and must seek voter approval for many capital funding needs that schools face. "Technology impacts every part of the student experience," the video the board reviewed states. "The levy would help Roseville area schools enhance safety in areas such as strengthening school security with modern tools, protecting against cyber threats, and helping ensure safe welcoming spaces for students." Board members asked technical questions about levy mechanics. Director Katie Goggins asked whether annual disbursements were fixed; Thompson replied the district is limited to the $6,000,000 annual tranche and cannot draw advances against future years. Board members also discussed what would happen if the levy does not pass: Thompson said the district would likely have to shift costs into the general fund, where technology and safety would compete with teachers, classroom supplies, buses and student supports. Next steps: the Nov. 4 ballot, community meetings, and the district's web resources. The board certified the preliminary levy by motion and will set a final levy in December, after the election.