Success - Support - Safety
Our Operating Levy request was not approved by voters, with 55.56% voting no and 44.44% voting yes on the November 5, 2024 ballot (unofficial results: 15,329 no votes, 12,260 yes votes). Read the full message here.
What is an operating levy referendum?
An operating levy generates revenue for school districts and requires voter approval. Operating levies provide funding for the district's daily operational expenses, covering the shortfall between state and federal funding and the expectations expressed by many in our community.
What's on the ballot?
The district’s goal is to sustain and enhance academic programs and services for our students. If the operating levy is approved, the additional funds would bolster the district’s financial stability and enable investments in academic programs and services directly aligned with our new Strategic Plan, which was developed with community input. To support each student's growth and success, we propose the following enhancements:
Enhancing academic excellence that increases student performance and outcomes
Teaching Specialists: Add specialists in every building to collaborate with teachers and ensure district-wide instructional coordination, elevate academic rigor and provide support for students who need it.
Spanish Immersion Programming: Increase staffing support to align the Spanish curriculum across all grade levels.
Maintaining Class Sizes: Ensure that class sizes remain consistent to support individualized student needs and effective learning environments.
Expanding career pathway programs
MN Center for Advanced Professional Studies (MNCAPS):
Expand career pathway programs based on student demand.
Increase space to accommodate more students.
Strengthen partnerships with the local business community.
Increasing staffing for behavior intervention and student support
School Counselors: Introduce school counselors to elementary schools, and add an additional counselor at Prior Lake High School, to align with our middle school staffing.
School Psychologists: Add two school psychologists to assist in addressing behavioral and academic needs across the district.
Strengthening
safety and security
at all schools*
Classroom Security: Update and standardize classroom door locks for quick emergency locking.
Perimeter Security: Improve security with additional surveillance cameras and security film on entrance windows.
High School Security: Construct a more secure lower-level entrance at Prior Lake High School.
*Based on recommendations from an audit conducted by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security - Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
If approved, the district will establish a Referendum Oversight Committee tasked with monitoring the implementation of levy measures.