District leaders in North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale ISD622 reiterated outreach ahead of the Nov. 4 election and described two questions on the ballot to raise operating and capital revenue as the board continued its campaign to inform voters.

At the board meeting, parent and PTA volunteer Miriam Janitek said she supports the technology levy but urged the board to exercise “serious oversight” and to consider research she said shows potential harms from extensive screen-based learning for elementary students. “There is no evidence that elementary aged outcomes are improved with technology supplementing learning,” Janitek said. “Our elementary school students are given iPads and Chromebooks from kindergarten on.”

Assistant Superintendent Andy Beaton described the two questions and sought to clarify typical taxpayer impact: “The average taxpayer on a $300,000 home would pay about $22 more per month. And that's for question 1. For question 2, it would be about $4 more per month,” he said, noting the district’s online materials and videos to explain ballot language.

The district has pushed several outreach items, including a “Why This Matters” video series and short superintendent-student videos, and is running an “I voted” participation contest among schools. Superintendent Christine Tucci Osorio and staff said the operating question would relieve general fund pressure created by paying for items such as cybersecurity and digital curriculum from operating accounts, while the capital question is framed for security, learning networks and hardware infrastructure.

Supporters at the meeting argued funding is necessary to retain staff and maintain class sizes. Oakdale resident Sam Rosemark called both questions “essential to provide the funding to maintain class sizes and support our teachers,” and urged residents to vote.

Board members, staff and community members encouraged voters to consult the district website, call principals or district staff for explanations, or use early/absentee voting options. Beaton and others emphasized that the ballot language uses legal phrasing that can be confusing and said the district is publishing plain-language guides and short videos to clarify the measures.

Votes on the measures will be decided by the electorate on Nov. 4.