Edina board certifies 4.49% levy increase for taxes payable in 2026; officials explain distribution

The Edina Public Schools board certified property taxes payable in 2026 in the amount of $79,360,186.67, a 4.49% increase from taxes payable in 2025, after a Truth in Taxation public hearing held during the Dec. 8 meeting. Director of Finance and Operations Mert Woodard led the statutorily required hearing and then transmitted the certification for the boardvote.

Woodard and his staff explained the levy in the context of Minnesotaschool funding, where most major revenue sources and revenue formulas are set by the state. He said roughly 61.5% of the districtgeneral fund revenue comes from state aid and about one-third comes from property taxes, a higher share than most districts statewide but common in some Western Metro districts. Woodard told the board the 4.49% overall increase is concentrated in the general fund (approximately a $2.5 million increase), with planned increases in long-term facilities maintenance and debt service funds; community education is projected to decline slightly due to prior adjustments.

Woodard emphasized that residents' tax statements will vary by property because individual property values and class rates differ; he provided typical examples (median $750,000 home estimated to pay about $3,972 in school taxes in 2026). The board approved the certification, and Woodard said the district will transmit required files to the county auditor and Department of Education.

What was decided: The board approved certification of the taxes payable in 2026 at $79,360,186.67. Administration noted the increase complies with state calculation rules and that voters have previously approved operating referendums and bond measures that factor into the district's revenue mix.