ISD 622 officials and parents press voters on two November levy questions amid debate over classroom technology

Miriam Janitek, a parent and active PTA volunteer, told the North St. Paul–Maplewood–Oakdale (ISD 622) school board she supports the district’s two referendum questions on the Nov. 4 ballot but urged the board to ensure “serious oversight” of classroom technology use, saying research raises concerns about screen-based learning for elementary students. “I support the levy. I will vote for the levy,” Janitek said, adding she has “serious and well-founded concerns about the use of technology in ISD 622 classrooms.”

Assistant Superintendent Andy Beaton reminded the audience that the ballot contains two questions: a proposed operating levy and a capital projects levy. He read language from the district materials that the packet describes as “from $206 to $1,100,” calling that a $946 increase in the levy amount as written; Beaton said the average taxpayer on a $300,000 home would pay about $22 more per month for question 1 and roughly $4 more per month for question 2. He emphasized the district is revoking and replacing the previous operating levy and urged voters to consult district materials for details.

Beaton framed the measures as funding priorities the district says are needed to preserve class sizes, support teachers and pay for security, digital infrastructure and learning tools. Sam Rosemark, who identified himself as an Oakdale resident and district alumnus, told the board he strongly supports both referendums and cited roughly $11,000,000 in cuts the district has absorbed over the last two years as a reason to approve the questions.

Board members asked for clarification on how the levies affect renters; Beaton said renters do not directly see a property-tax increase in the short term, though rents could be affected indirectly over time. The district highlighted outreach efforts including a “Why This Matters” video series, school competitions to encourage parent turnout, one-minute superintendent videos with students, and information posted on district social media and its website.

Why it matters: ISD 622 leaders said these levies would relieve pressure on the general fund, protect classroom resources and help maintain safety and technology systems used districtwide. Janitek’s comments illustrate a tension raised during public comment: support for funding paired with concern about how technology will be used in elementary classrooms.

The board did not take a vote on the referendums themselves; the election is Nov. 4. The board scheduled a special meeting to canvass the returns between Nov. 3 and Nov. 10 and set Nov. 11, 2025 at 6 p.m. as the canvass date in the District 622 Education Center boardroom.