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Board hears levy renewal options, approves District 917 LTFM plan resolution
Summary
Superintendent and finance staff outlined proposed renewals of a 10-year operating levy and a 10-year capital projects levy; the board approved a separate resolution authorizing District 917’s LTFM levy allocation for 2026.
Lakeville Area Schools administrators briefed the board on a proposed renewal of two district levies and the board approved a separate inter-district LTFM resolution at its May 27 meeting.
Superintendent Michael Baumann reviewed the district’s two levy proposals under consideration: a renewal of the expiring operating levy (previously used to support elementary art and fifth-grade band and other general fund items) and a renewal of the capital projects levy. Baumann said the capital projects renewal is intended to continue funding career-pathway work, security equipment and educational-technology infrastructure and to sustain roughly 5.5 full-time positions that support technology and security districtwide. He said the capital projects levy in the proposal would generate roughly $4.0 million annually if renewed for 10 years; the operating-levy renewal described in the presentation would generate approximately $1.7 million annually if renewed for 10 years.
Nut graf: The board heard background on the two possible renewal measures and timing constraints; trustees also voted to approve a separate resolution required for District 917 (a cooperative special-education district) to fund its LTFM (long-term facilities maintenance) plan for the coming fiscal year.
Timing and statutory notes Baumann told the board the omnibus education bill still moving through the Legislature contains a provision enabling one-time renewals of these levies and noted a board decision is needed quickly so that the district can meet state certification deadlines and community communication timelines. He said the board’s intention is to bring a formal recommendation for action before levy certification deadlines later in June.
District 917 LTFM resolution — action Bill Holmgren, director of business services, presented a recommended funding share for Lakeville’s portion of the District 917 long-term facilities maintenance (LTFM) levy. The proposed schedule included a $250,000 set-aside to begin funding a large roof replacement the cooperative anticipates in several years. The resolution asking board approval of the District 917 levy schedule and the district’s proportional share was moved and seconded; Director Carly Anderson moved the resolution and Director Amber Cameron seconded. The board approved the resolution by voice vote.
Nut graf (action): The resolution commits Lakeville’s proportionate share of the District 917 LTFM levy plan for the proposed period and sends required paperwork to the Minnesota Department of Education for the cooperative levy.
Board discussion Trustees discussed household-level cost signals and community impressions of levy renewals; Baumann said staff will continue outreach and recommended returning June 10 with a formal recommendation. Multiple trustees said they wanted further discussions about broader district priorities before adding or increasing levy requests beyond the renewals presented.
Ending: The board approved the District 917 LTFM resolution and directed staff to return with a formal levy recommendation and community outreach plan before the district’s certification deadlines.
