The Board of Independent School District No. 252 (Cannon Falls Area Schools) has proposed a voter-authorized operating levy asking to increase general education revenue by $950 per pupil, indexed to the annual rate of inflation, on the Nov. 4 ballot.

An unnamed school staff member said, “If it does pass, this will provide needed operating revenue in the area of 700 to $950,000.” The presenter told listeners the levy would be levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and would remain in effect for up to 10 years unless revoked or reduced by law.

The district framed the request as a response to a long-term funding gap. A presenter said state funding has not kept pace with inflation over the past 20 years, citing a gap that equates to about $1,470 per pupil; the district is asking for $950 of that gap. “The need for additional funding isn't new and it is real,” the presenter said, and added that the district has already made reductions to address budget shortfalls in recent years.

District officials recounted reductions made after last year's failed levy and earlier budget actions. According to the presentation, the district eliminated roughly $800,000 in budget items last year (including teaching positions, coaches and advisors), increased activity and facility fees, delayed bus replacements, restructured administrative positions, and reduced technology and curriculum subscriptions. The presenter said the board has advertised about $700,000 of additional cuts for the coming year if the levy fails; that list includes eliminating teaching positions, charging for in-town busing, increasing participation and facility fees, reducing custodial and administrative staff, and potentially moving to a four-day school week as one option to achieve required savings.

The presentation also described the causes the district attributes to persistent shortfalls: rising inflation and labor costs, increases in health and property insurance and transportation costs, underfunded or unfunded state mandates and increased safety, facility and technology needs. The presenter noted the 2023 inflationary increase to the general education formula but said it did not fully compensate for years of underfunding.

The levy, as read to the audience, would increase general education revenue by $950 per pupil and be indexed to the prior year's Consumer Price Index. The presenter emphasized that the school district does not set the inflation rate; the CPI is determined at the federal level.

The presentation included local comparisons and tax estimates. Cannon Falls' per-pupil funding was reported at $9,452 versus a statewide average of $10,780. Using an example median home value of $375,000 in the city of Cannon Falls, the presenter estimated the levy would increase property taxes by about $325 per year (presenter characterized this as "less than a dollar a day"); the district also provides an online calculator for property-specific estimates.

Voting logistics were provided: absentee voting for this election is available through Nov. 3; on election day, voting for this particular referendum is at Cannon Falls City Hall from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and absentee hours were stated as 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Nov. 3. The presenter directed attendees to the district website for the slide deck and additional details and then invited questions.

What's next: the question will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot for voters in the district; the presentation explained possible cuts the district has already publicized if voters reject the measure.