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Shakopee schools outline two-question operating levy, warn of $7–$9 million shortfall for 2026–27
Summary
Shakopee Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Redmond described two referendum questions that would together target roughly $7.5 million in new annual operating revenue (Question 1 ~ $5.0M, Question 2 ~$2.5M). The district plans $3 million in budget cuts regardless of the levy outcome and said failing the referendum would require deeper reductions.
Dr. Redmond, superintendent of Shakopee Public Schools (ISD 720), presented the district’s proposal for a two-question operating levy and outlined projected shortfalls at the Oct. 7 Shakopee City Council meeting.
Redmond told the council that state per-pupil aid has not kept pace with inflation over several years and that the gap has widened in the past four years. He said the district faces a projected $7 million to $9 million deficit for the 2026–27 school year and an additional $1 million to $4 million the year after, and the district is using an $11 million planning target as it develops budget actions.
As part of planned measures, Redmond said the district will cut $3 million from its operating budget for the 2026–27 school year regardless of levy results and will cut another $500,000 prior to 2027–28. The operating-levy plan includes two questions for voters:
• Question 1 (presented as “tax neutral”): an increase in per-pupil funding of $620 per student, roughly $5 million per year; Redmond said this amount largely offsets an annual construction-debt payment ($5.16 million) that will end at the end of 2025, producing a near wash for taxpayers in his calculations.
• Question 2: additional operating revenue of about $2.5 million per year. Redmond said the owner of a $400,000 home would pay roughly $8.71 per month for Question 2; combined, both questions would add about $8.72 per month for that example homeowner.
Redmond said if voters approve the levy questions, the district plans to maintain a similar level of services; if voters reject the levy, “we will need to make even more budget cuts across the entire school district,” which would likely increase class sizes and reduce programming.
Redmond said the district has materials and tax tables on shakopeelevy.org, that early/absentee voting is available at the district office (1200 Shakopee Town Square) and that election day is Nov. 4. He also announced two public forums, including one on Oct. 23 at the high school. Council members thanked Redmond for a detailed presentation and asked clarifying questions about the levy math and the district’s planned cuts.
No council action was taken; the presentation was informational.
