New Prague board votes to place operating referendum question on Nov. 4 ballot; approves FY26 budget and several resolutions

The New Prague Area Schools board on June 23 voted to place a new referendum revenue question on the Nov. 4, 2025 special election ballot, approved the district's preliminary FY26 budget and took several related fiscal actions.

Board members approved two related resolutions: one that the board had found it "necessary and expedient to increase the school district's general education revenue by $510 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation," and a second formal notice of the special election to be held Nov. 4, 2025, with required public‑notice steps described in the resolution. Dan (board clerk) read the resolution language aloud during the meeting.

District business staff had presented two comparable ways to frame local funding: an operating referendum described in board discussion as $2,000,000 per year for 10 years (about $20 per month on a home valued at $400,000, the district's stated median) and a potential separate bond for safety, security and deferred maintenance. Administrators said the board's preference was a single‑question operating referendum to maintain positions and programs rather than a multi‑question ballot.

Brian Feld, the district's director of business services, presented the FY26 preliminary budget. Key figures Feld cited included a projected average daily membership (ADM) of 3,820 (a decline of 86 students), a net projected reduction of about 6.5 full‑time equivalent positions (offset in part by two additional ADCS positions), and a projected unassigned general fund balance of 14.17 percent under the FY26 preliminary budget. Feld also listed several one‑time and recurring budget items: a 2.74 percent increase in state general education aid tied to CPI; about $309,000 in one‑time REED Act funds that will not recur; a projected employer TRA (Teacher Retirement Association) cost increase of about $159,000; and Paid Family Leave Act costs discussed in the presentation.

Feld summarized capital and maintenance projects planned in FY26: Falcon Ridge blinds ($35,000), high school parking lot repairs ($80,000), sidewalk repairs ($25,000), a special education minibus ($119,000 to be purchased with medical assistance funds), three school buses ($435,000), network storage ($150,000), football helmets ($36,000) and three vehicles for driver's education/transportation ($90,000). He said the district projects FY26 general‑fund revenues of about $51,953,702 and total general‑fund expenditures of roughly $51,000,003.

Votes at a glance - FY26 preliminary general fund budget (second reading and approval): moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; chair called all in favor and the motion passed (voice vote; no roll‑call results recorded). Outcome: approved. - Resolution calling a special election (resolution finding necessity and calling election for 11/04/2025): moved and seconded; recorded roll call: Karen Yes, Anne Yes, Kim Yes, Dennis Yes, Carrie Yes, Jean Yes, Dan No. Outcome: approved (6–1). - Notice of special election and ballot language (notice with tax‑impact table and polling places): moved and seconded; recorded roll call: unanimous (all seven board members voted Yes). Outcome: approved. - Resolution approving the 10‑year facility plan for the Long‑Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) program: approved by roll call (unanimous). Outcome: approved. - Resolution committing funds for future severance and other post‑employment benefits (commit $78,182 at end of FY24‑25): approved by roll call (unanimous). Outcome: approved. - Resolution making a permanent transfer from Fund 01 to Fund 02 to cover identified nutrition services bad debt ($133.20): approved by roll call (unanimous). Outcome: approved.

Board discussion emphasized the operating referendum as a maintenance request intended to prevent further program reductions that administrators and several board members said would be required without additional local revenue. Board members repeatedly described the $2,000,000‑per‑year framing as short‑term stability to maintain positions and programming, not a full restoration of previously cut programs. The board also discussed strategy and timing for any future capital bond or additional levies to address facility needs highlighted by the facility task force.

The resolutions set administrative deadlines and public‑notice steps required by state law: written notice to county auditors at least 84 days before the special election; notice to the Minnesota Department of Education commissioner at least 74 days before the special election; mailing to taxpayers 15–45 days before the election; posting at the district office at least 10 days before the election; and publication in the district's official newspaper at least twice with the last publication at least a week before the election. Board members discussed an approximate election administration cost of about $20,000 and the August 12 administrative cutoff for certain actions.

The board concluded the meeting by approving the listed budget and resolutions and adjourning.