School board chair outlines $950-per-pupil operating levy on Nov. 4 ballot

Clint Shawquist, chair of the Cannon Falls Area Schools board, briefed the City Council on Oct. 7 about the district's operating-levy question that will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The levy question would authorize the district to increase general-education revenue by $950 per pupil, subject to annual increases tied to the Consumer Price Index. Shawquist said the authorization would be for 10 years, beginning with taxes payable in 2026.

Nut graf: The district presented the levy as a response to a long-running funding gap driven by inflation and state mandates. Shawquist said the board has already made reductions and that a failed levy would force additional cuts totaling roughly $700,000 for the coming year, with further reductions beyond that.

Shawquist said previous local reductions included nearly $800,000 in cuts after last year’s unsuccessful levy effort, citing program reductions, elimination of technology and curriculum subscriptions and deferred bus and maintenance purchases. He said the district’s reading and math scores have been above the state average for five years and described other programs and recognitions.

Using examples, Shawquist said on a home with an estimated market value of $375,000, the proposed levy would increase annual school property taxes by about $325 (roughly $27 per month). He said the district’s operating authorization has not increased since 2004 and that 72 percent of Minnesota school districts use operating levies.

Shawquist also listed potential program reductions if the levy fails: eliminating teaching positions, increasing class sizes in early grades to an average of about 26 students, reducing physical-education frequency to the state minimum, charging for in-town bus service, eliminating course offerings and increasing activity and participation fees. He noted the district is considering a four-day school week among other measures if additional funding is not approved.

Councilmembers asked whether state funding relief is likely; Shawquist said the state discusses these issues but has not provided predictable increases. He offered to meet with residents and provided contact information and district materials on the district website. No council action was taken; the presentation was informational.

Ending: Voters in Independent School District 252 Cannon Falls Area Schools will see the ballot question on Nov. 4. The presentation and supporting materials are available on the district's website and the superintendent and board chair encouraged residents to contact them with questions.