Announcement

On July 8 the PLSAS School Board voted to hold a referendum election for an operating levy funding request on Election Day, November 5, 2024. The proposal on the ballot will ask voters to revoke the district’s existing levy of $623.97 per student and replace it with a new levy of $1,803 per student with an inflationary factor. Based on enrollment projections, the new levy will provide approximately $10.8 million additional dollars for the first year with an inflation factor included for years 2-10.

Like many other school districts in Minnesota and across the country, PLSAS is facing serious budget challenges. Our costs are increasing faster than our revenue is growing. This is mainly because prices are going up (inflation) and student enrollment (revenue) has slowed, mostly due to low birth rates. In addition, PLSAS’ current operating levy is one of the lowest in the area, which means our district has less money than neighboring districts to operate our schools and provide programming for students.

If the operating levy is approved, the additional levy dollars will bolster the district’s financial stability, maintain what we have and allow us to invest in academics and safety, including: 

• Strengthening safety and security at all schools
• Expanding Career Pathways programs and provide more hands-on learning opportunities 
• Enhancing academic performance and outcomes
• Increasing staffing for behavior intervention and student support 

If the operating levy is not approved, the district will need to make significant budget reductions, which are likely to include (but not limited to) the following:

• School closure(s) and boundary changes
• Staffing reductions and contract freezes
• Increase in class sizes
• Move MNCAPS to district facility
• Reduce programs for students including:
  • Limit Spanish Immersion to K-5 only
  • Eliminate MNCAPS pathway(s)
  • Eliminate middle school activities
  • Reduce Laker Online offerings 
  • Reduce secondary electives
• Reduce student access to educational technology
• Increase fees for facility use by community
• Close pool at Twin Oaks

In proposing the new levy, the board carefully considered both the needs of the district and the tax implications for district residents. The proposed levy will increase school property taxes by about $45 per month on a home valued at $445,500, plus an inflationary index throughout the duration of the levy.  

Thank you in advance for your ongoing support of the district and your consideration of the levy proposal.