Why are questions on the ballot?
PLSAS has one of the lowest voter-approved operating levies among comparable high-residential districts, limiting the local revenue available to support school operations and student programs.
State funding has not kept pace with inflation.
If state funding had kept pace with inflation since 2003, we would have received $13+ million more this year.
Student enrollment has declined, reducing revenue.
Since the 2022-2023 school year, enrollment has declined and it is estimated the decline will continue into the future.
Source: PLSAS Enrollment Projection Models FY 2026
This is evidenced by the comparison of the incoming kindergarten classes being less than the outgoing senior class since 2022-2023 and estimated into the future.
Source: PLSAS Enrollment Projection Models FY 2026
Since 2024, PLSAS has made $12.25 million in budget reductions.
2024-2025
$4 Million Reduced
- DSC department reductions
- Administrator cost reductions
- $958K one-time fund balance use
2025-2026
$4.1 Million Reduced
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Staffing/Administration reductions
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MNCAPS lease eliminated
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Twin Oaks pool closed
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Laker Online eliminated
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K–1 iPads & staff desktops reduced
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Fewer Gr. 6-12 elective options
2026-2027
$4.15 Million Reduced
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Closed WestWood as a neighborhood school
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Changed K–5 attendance boundaries
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Eliminated MNCAPS Pathways
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Selling the District Services Center