FAQs

How do I get more information?

Contact Craig Menozzi on his cell phone: 952-240-5379 or email him at cmenozzi@isd319.

What is an operating levy and how does it work?

Most education funding comes from the State of Minnesota, but state funding has not kept up with the cost of maintaining the classroom options and services  Nashwauk-Keewatin students currently have. 

In an operating levy referendum, school districts ask local property owners to supplement the district’s budget for classroom education, staffing and certain other operating costs through a property tax increase. 

Most school districts in Minnesota receive referendum or voter-approved local option levy revenue. Voter-approved operating levy revenue is authorized by voters as a specified dollar amount per pupil for a number of years.

Operating referendum property tax levies are shared by property tax payers based on market value. Operating referendum property taxes are not levied on 

• agricultural land and buildings (but they are levied on the house, garage and 1 acre)

• Seasonal recreational property, including cabins

Almost all other property in a school district pays the same tax per dollar of market value of their property. 

Why are we voting on this now?

 Nashwauk-Keewatin is facing a significant budget deficit for the third consecutive year, and it has repeatedly dipped into its reserve fund to cover expenses. 

According to Minnesota law, school districts are allowed to pursue a voter-approved operating levy only during a November election. With mounting challenges posed by COVID-19 precautions, unfounded state mandates, consistent declining enrollment and more projected budget shortfalls ahead,  Nashwauk-Keewatin cannot delay taking action to address its budget challenges.

If the referendum passes, will there be enough money to improve our buildings?

In the future, we will also have to address the needs of our facilities. but our immediate challenge is to address the shortfall in our operating budget for teachers, staff and student programs.

What happens if we don’t pass the operating levy?

If voters reject the proposed operating levy increase,  Nashwauk-Keewatin will continue to seek solutions, but larger class sizes, fewer courses, further limits on athletics and cuts to student programs and services will be needed to address our budget shortfalls.