Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
ISD 622 leaders outline two-question levy for Nov. 4 ballot, estimate $26/month impact for $300,000 home
Summary
District officials presented two ballot questions in a public meeting: an operating levy that would raise the per-pupil levy from $1,019 to $1,965 and a 10-year capital projects levy that would collect $2 million a year. District leaders said a $300,000 homeowner would see an estimated $26-per-month increase if both measures pass.
District officials on Aug. 19 presented detailed information about two proposed local levies that will appear on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot, saying the measures are meant to close a growing gap between state funding and district expenses.
The operating-levy question would revoke $206 of the district's current levy and replace that portion with $1,152.83, raising the total operating levy from $1,019 per pupil to $1,965, Assistant Superintendent, Secondary (presenter) said during the board meeting. Officials said the district’s calculator estimates a $300,000 homeowner would pay about $22 more per month if the operating levy passes. The second measure, a capital projects levy, would collect $2 million annually for 10 years to fund technology infrastructure, classroom hardware and security systems; the district estimated a $4-per-month tax increase for a $300,000 home. Combined, the two questions were presented as about $26 per month for a $300,000 homeowner.
Why it matters: presenters argued that state funding increases have not kept pace with inflation and rising costs for salaries, transportation, utilities and technology, and that many neighboring metro districts collect more local revenue per pupil than ISD 622. The district said it has made multi‑million-dollar budget cuts in recent cycles (about $4 million in 2024 and $7 million the next cycle) and is asking voters for local support to maintain class sizes, retain staff and invest in classroom and security technology.
Assistant Superintendent, Secondary (presentation) said the district has not requested an operating‑levy increase since 2016 and detailed how the district would use the funds: maintain class sizes, protect student programs, support staffing and strengthen elementary art offerings. The capital projects levy was described as a way to avoid drawing from the general fund for recurring technology and security expenses and to create a dedicated revenue stream for hardware, software and technology staff.
Public comment included support from community members. Sam Rosemark, who identified himself as a Tartan High alumnus, told the board he supports both the capital and operating levies and framed the request as an investment in students and teachers. "Keeping our local dollars locally, multiplying that within our community will serve a great purpose for our kids," Rosemark said.
Board members asked staff for outreach and voter‑education plans. The district said a tax‑impact calculator will be posted on the district website under “Levy 2025.” Officials also said early voting will begin Sept. 19 in Ramsey and Washington counties and reiterated the Nov. 4 election date.
Details reported by the district: a revocation-and-replace structure for the operating levy, the exact dollar replacement figure cited at the meeting ($1,152.83), the $2 million-per-year capital levy for 10 years and per‑homeowner impact estimates for a $300,000 property. The presentation materials and a video explaining the levy rationale will be posted on the district website.
Looking ahead: the board did not take a formal vote on the levies that evening; the presentation was intended to inform the public and begin community outreach ahead of the Nov. 4 election.
