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School board debates levy options after proposed 6.86% measure failed
Summary
Board members blamed misinformation for the failed measure, warned that a projected 2% state-aid increase would force long-term program cuts, and asked staff to prepare cut scenarios for 0–5% levy options.
Board member (S1) opened the meeting by noting last year’s levy was 4.238% and that the district’s recent 6.86% proposal failed, setting the agenda for examining next steps.
Board member (S2) said misinformation on public forums had skewed understanding of line-item changes and urged clearer public explanation. “There was a lot of information that was being shared, that was being, like cherry picked,” she said. Several members emphasized limits on the district’s choices: S2 noted contractually negotiated salary increases of about 4% and pointed out many positions are mandated by the state and therefore not cuttable. Board member (S4) warned that if state aid remains at a projected 2% annually, “that changes everything,” and urged advocacy to state officials to reverse the aid projection.
The board asked staff to prepare scenario budgets that show the specific cuts needed at 0%, 3%, 4% and 5% levy levels so the public can weigh affordability against program preservation. The request was framed as a communications and planning step rather than a final decision.
