Tuesday’s election will include an operating levy increase the Becker School Board says it needs to generate approximately $330,000 in new revenue for the school district. It is aimed to provide critical funding to continue providing quality education to students.
Two questions will be on the ballot in regards to the district and they focus on renewing current revenue streams.
Question #1
Renew existing authority and increase referendum revenue authorization.
By approving, it will secure future revenue for the school’s operational budget. It will replace the expiring operating referendum authority of $415.26 with $525.26 per pupil. This will generate approximately $330,000 of new revenue for the district and will close the gap between state funding and actual operational costs.
It will also sustain long range strategy for financial stability by meeting school board policy. Th estimated annual tax impact would be $19.54 per $100,000 of estimated market value of property or $1.63 per month.
Question #2
Capital projects levy for technology renewal.
By approving, this will allow the district to continue their capital investment in technology. It replaces the expiring capital projects levy referendum authority with a similar $494,215 levy.
Because this question is a renewal of the district’s existing levy, there is no estimated annual property tax impact change. The purpose is to continue to provide for infrastructure and devices, like networks, servers, Wi-Fi and the devices students use.
Operating Levy — What is it?
An operating levy is a procedure which allows school districts to raise additional funds to supplement regular state education funding. It is spread on referendum market values of property and the State of Minnesota equalizes educational levies based upon the district’s ability to pay (equalization aid).
Capital Project Levy — What is it?
A capital project levy is a voter approved procedure which allows school districts to raise additional funds for specific education funding needs. The capital project levy is spread on net tax capacity and the State of Minnesota does not equalize this particular educational levy based upon the district’s ability to pay (equalization aid).
What has the school district been using the current revenue streams for in the recent past?
Maintaining class sizes, providing opportunities for students, preserving current staffing, managing operational costs, technology availability and training, enhancements to networking and infrastructure and replacing outdated technology.
What does the district plan too use the new dollars for?
To maintain programming and learning opportunities for students, close the gap between state funding and actual operational costs, and sustain long range strategy for financial stability by meeting school board policy.
Voting occurs Tuesday at Becker City Hall from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Absentee voting is available at the Becker School District Office. For more information, visit: www.becker.k12.mn.us.
