Annandale board votes to place $750-per-pupil operating referendum on special election ballot

The Annandale Public School District board voted to place a $750-per-pupil operating referendum on a special election ballot, authorizing a 10-year operating referendum revenue authorization that will increase annually by the rate of inflation. Board members said the move followed six public listening sessions in May and June and a review of recent state funding changes that reduced district revenue.

Board members described the measure as a pragmatic step to stabilize finances rather than a full restoration of prior services. The district presented detailed budget impacts: a cluster of recent legislative and administrative changes that together reduced or increased district costs by roughly $365,000, including an $83,000 decrease in Title I funds, a $70,000 decrease in compensatory funding, a $25,000 reduction in special-education transportation revenue, higher liability insurance (+$41,000), and a $33,000 increase in out-of-district special-education care and treatment costs. The board said those items significantly erode projected reserves.

District staff and board members noted the district’s general fund balance has declined from about $1.6 million in 2024 to a projected $600,000 in 2026 without new revenue. They said a $7.50-per-pupil (noted in prior discussions) or the current $750-per-pupil figure would generate roughly $1.4 million in additional revenue and help avert some cuts, though the board emphasized levy revenue would begin with taxes payable in 2026 and would not immediately resolve multi-year structural shortfalls.

Board members said the listening sessions—typically attended by 10–25 residents—surfaced similar themes: appreciation for staff, questions about how levy dollars would be spent, concern about tax impact, and a desire for clearer, plain-language communications. The board referenced a tax-calculator provided by the district’s financial advisor (Ehlers) to show household impacts; as an example, board members said $750 per pupil would translate to roughly $300 per year on a $400,000 home in the district, but encouraged voters to use the calculator for precise estimates.

After discussion, Board member Jen moved to approve the special-election ballot question and call an election; the motion was seconded by Melissa and carried on a roll-call vote called by the chair. The official ballot language read by the chair states the proposed operating referendum revenue authorization would apply for 10 years beginning with taxes payable in 2026 and increase each year by the rate of inflation, unless revoked or reduced as provided by law.

Next steps: the board approved calling the election and will proceed with required administrative steps and public information efforts. The district encouraged residents to review the tax-calculator and attend outreach events for details on how levy funds would be allocated.