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St. Paul school board unanimously OKs 10‑year operating referendum to appear on Nov. 4 ballot
Summary
The Board of Education voted unanimously to place a 10‑year operating levy referendum on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot that would raise $10.73 per pupil (about $37.2 million a year) to avoid an estimated $37 million in cuts for fiscal 2027.
The St. Paul Board of Education voted unanimously on July 15 to place a 10‑year operating referendum on the Nov. 4, 2025 special election ballot that would raise the district’s general education revenue by $10.73 per pupil, subject to annual inflation adjustments, and generate roughly $37.2 million a year.
Superintendent Dr. Stacy Stanley, who presented the recommendation, said the additional revenue is intended to prevent about $37 million in program and staffing cuts projected for fiscal 2027 and to preserve existing programs and services. "I respectfully request your approval to place this operating referendum before the voters this November," Stanley told the board.
Why it matters: Saint Paul Public Schools projects deep near‑term budget pressure from long‑term underfunding and recent federal funding freezes. Stanley told the board the district plans to spend down reserve funds and has already identified prior budget reductions; without the referendum staff and program cuts could affect services many families value, she said.
How the figure was chosen: Board materials and presentations said the $37.2 million target was set to bring St. Paul closer to the average referendum revenue per pupil among a comparison cohort of similar districts. The superintendent’s presentation cited a June survey by the Morris Leatherman Company showing broad public support for addressing funding gaps, and board discussion cited that public polling when weighing how much to ask voters for.
Voter impact and schedule: The resolution calls for the new referendum revenue authorization to be first levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and to be applicable for 10 years unless revoked by law. The district provided an estimate in the meeting packet that an average homeowner with a $289,200 home would pay about $26 per month. The board also approved required notice steps spelled out in Minnesota law — written notice to county auditors, the commissioner of education, mailed notices to taxpayers, posting in district offices, and publication in the district’s official newspaper — and set the election hours for Nov. 4, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Board reaction and questions: Directors asked about why the district zeroed in on this amount versus other modeled options and about whether an operating levy or a capital levy would be more supportable to voters. Administration and presenters said polling favored an operating levy and that the $10.73 per pupil figure would move the district toward the average of comparable districts.
Next steps: With the board’s unanimous vote the district will post referendum materials (administration said spps.org/vote will go live) and follow statutory notice timelines. The board will consider communications and outreach ahead of the November election.
Ending: The board approved the resolution by roll call with all members voting yes.
