Barr-Reeve board authorizes superintendent to consult auditor about possible fall referendum, explores 40¢ strategic rate

The Barr-Reeve Community Schools Inc board on May 20 authorized Superintendent Andrea to meet with the county auditor to gather information about options for a potential new operating referendum this fall, including a strategic maximum rate of 40¢ per $100 of assessed value to guide planning.

"We are gonna explore a 40¢ rate instead of a 25¢ rate," Superintendent Andrea said, describing the step as an informational meeting to understand how changes in state law and assessed values could affect the district's levy and tax rate. She emphasized that the board was not approving any referendum question or rate at the meeting.

Why it matters: the district’s operating referendum funds school and safety initiatives — including contracts with Youth First and the sheriff’s office for a school resource officer — and could shape class sizes, academic programs and extracurricular offerings. Andrea said the higher strategic rate is a planning tool that would be used to protect the budget if assessed values or funding formulas change.

Board members approved a resolution giving Andrea permission to speak with the auditor and return with options and calculations. "You gotta have the information to make a decision," a trustee said during the discussion, and Andrea said she will bring findings back to the board in June. If the board decides to place a referendum on the ballot it would require a later board vote and a formal placement in the fall election schedule.

The motion to authorize consultation was adopted by voice vote; the action was described as informational only and does not itself trigger a referendum.

Next steps: Andrea said she will meet with the auditor, prepare rate and levy scenarios for the board, and return to the June meeting with recommendations and materials for any decision about placing a referendum on the fall ballot.