Referendum election set for November 4, 2025
Posted on 05/13/2025
Like most districts across Minnesota, Farmington Area Public Schools face significant financial challenges. These challenges have been addressed through the use of assigned fund balance dollars and budget cuts, including reducing administrative and teaching staff, restructuring middle school schedules resulting in a loss of electives, and ending career and technical partnerships like MNCAPS and CTE Programming at ISD 917 (DCTC Campus).
At the May 12 school board meeting, the board made two important decisions to reduce the need for additional budget reductions and facilitate new investments in academic supports and opportunities allowing our students to be more successful.
First, the board voted to extend the district’s current operating levy that is set to expire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The levy generates about $5 million in revenue per year (approximately $701 per student). The extended operating levy will be in place for 10 years beginning with the 2026-2027 school year and will not increase property taxes.
Second, the board voted to schedule an operating levy referendum election for November 4, 2025. The proposal on the ballot will ask voters to approve an additional operating levy of $1,236.60 per student. The new authorization would be for 10 years, beginning in 2026-27 school year.
A successful referendum will do more than help stabilize the district’s budget. It will improve instruction and academic support for our students. The additional revenue would also fund expanded experiences and career pathways.
If the new operating levy is not approved, the district will need to make even deeper cuts to balance a projected $4.2 million budget deficit for the 2026-27 school year. This will result in increased class sizes, cuts in additional educational programs, and reduction in learning opportunities for all students.
Like in the past, the board carefully considered the tax implications for district residents. If the November 4, 2025 operating levy is approved, school property taxes for district residents with a home valued at $350,000 will increase approximately $534 per year or $44.50 per month. This tax increase will only be in place for the 2026-27 school year as the tax impact for residents will be significantly reduced in coming years as bond debt expires.
We will continue to share additional information about the referendum proposal. You can also go to our website for more information or email [email protected] with any questions.