On November 4, Becker residents will have the opportunity to vote on a new school board member, with Renee Regel running unopposed for the seat vacated by Troy Berning. In addition, District residents will have the opportunity to vote on an operating levy that directly supports our schools’ day to day operations. The request is for $200 per pupil, which would generate about $640,000 annually for Becker Public Schools. This $200 per pupil is the lowest per pupil amount proposed on ballots across all Minnesota School Districts out of about 100 questions statewide. 

The Becker School Board has been very deliberate in crafting this proposal. They understand that every tax dollar matters and are committed to keeping taxes as low as possible while maintaining the quality of education our community expects. The average homeowner in Becker would see an increase of about $8 per month, or roughly $100 per year based on a $365,000 home value (Homestead+up to 1 acre). 

This operating levy is not driven by local decisions alone. School districts across Minnesota are facing financial pressures created by state and federal policies that have not kept pace with inflation or funding promises. New state mandates, such as paid family leave, unemployment insurance, increased requirements under the READ Act are all worthwhile initiatives, but they come with significant costs. At the same time, state support in areas such as special education, transportation, student support personnel aid, and school meals has decreased.  

Becker has maintained a fiscally conservative approach, building its fund balance for emergency use, avoiding staff reductions, and sustaining strong academic and extracurricular programs. However, these unfunded mandates and rising costs are eroding that stability. Without a modest increase now, future requests could be two, three, or even four times larger as we attempt to recover from structural shortfalls.

Residents can learn more and review tax impacts on their own property by visiting www.becker.k12.mn.us and clicking on the levy information link. Voting is open weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the District Office (Door 2) through November 3, and on Election Day, November 4, from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Becker Community Center, 11500 Sherburne Avenue.