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Superintendent outlines capital-levy renewal, federal geothermal credit and CTE expansion as top priorities
Summary
Superintendent Brzezinski said renewing the district’s capital-project levy, pursuing a federal direct-pay tax credit tied to geothermal projects, and expanding technical and CTE programming are the administration’s three main focus areas for the coming year.
Superintendent Brzezinski briefed the board on three district focus areas: (1) renewing the district’s capital-project levy (previously referred to as the “tech levy”); (2) completing the federal direct-pay tax-credit filing for geothermal projects and planning how to use any resulting funds; and (3) continuing expansion of career and technical education (CTE) programming.
On the levy, Brzezinski said the district will discuss timing and strategy at the Oct. 14 board meeting and will bring Jeff Seeley from a consulting firm (named in the meeting as Ellers) to explain options and community impact. One initial decision for the board is whether to seek renewal during the November 2026 general election or to call a special election earlier. Brzezinski said staff will facilitate community engagement, analyze timelines and follow state requirements for levy renewals.
On the geothermal project tax treatment, the superintendent said the district is finalizing work with Baker Tilly to complete required documentation for the federal direct-pay credit and will present scenarios to the board for how to apply any funds to capital and facility priorities.
On career and technical education, Brzezinski said the district is building industry partnerships, working with postsecondary partners, and coordinating a public fundraising campaign (the Foundation for Winona Public Schools has named industrial-tech programming a fundraising focus for the year). He said the district’s CTE advisory committee and several meetings with industry partners are scheduled over the coming months.
Board feedback: Director George Simon urged the superintendent to consider adding an explicit policy or goal around technology governance, including artificial intelligence and student-device use, and asked for the superintendent’s thinking on how to fold that into the district’s focus areas. Brzezinski asked for time to develop concrete proposals for board consideration.
Why it matters: The capital-levy decision and any federal tax-credit proceeds would affect the district’s capital plan and taxpayer impact; CTE expansion links to workforce development, local industry partnerships and fundraising.
Next steps: Staff will return to the board (Oct. 14 anticipated) with more detailed timelines, consultant input and community-engagement plans on the levy and will present final documentation and scenarios related to the geothermal direct-pay credit when filings are complete.
