2026 Levy Renewal on the Ballot for ISD 197

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Voters in ISD 197 will see a Capital Improvement Levy on the ballot this November. The district is working hard to make sure the levy passes, and the district faces significant budget cuts if it fails.

The levy renewal will be on the ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026 election along with the school board candidates.

• How much: The levy will bring in $4.6 million per year for the next 10 years.
• How is it paid for?: Property taxes. Owners of a $400,000 home (the average in the district) would pay an additional $168 per year.
• What is it paying for?: Despite the name, it will not be funding any new construction or major capital purchases. Instead, it will fund ongoing expenses like transportation, school supplies, and needed maintenance and upgrades, allowing the district to shift general funds currently earmarked for these things and shore up district finances.
• What if it fails?: The district will cut between $2-$4 million, meaning they will have to cut teaching positions, increase class sizes, reduce class and activity offerings, and reduce transportation service.

Why Does ISD 197 Need More Funding?

State funding falling behind: Funding from the state makes up the majority of most public school district budgets. In 2003, the state funding formula was changed so it no longer keeps up with inflation, leading to growing budget gaps. This is the real root of the problem, and this levy would only temporarily address the funding shortfall. The district will be in a similar situation in a few years’ time unless state and federal funding increases.

Rising Costs: Health insurance costs have been outpacing inflation for years, even with increased premiums and copays for employees. Transportation costs including vehicles, insurance, fuel, and driver wages have been hard to control.

Cuts already made: ISD 197 has cut $3.2 million over the past two years, focusing on administration and background services that don’t directly touch the student experience. ISD 197 currently spends significantly below the state average on administration costs.

ISD 197’s tax burden is low: ISD 197 has one of the lowest property tax burdens in the metro and the absolute lowest among its immediate neighbors. Currently ISD 197 has the seventh lowest school property taxes in the metro (ranked 40th out of 47 metro school districts) and lowest among our neighbors ($1,406 vs. $1,449-$2,442) Even with this levy, that will still be the case.

Permanent School Fund Amendment

In addition to the levy for ISD 197 on the ballot, there is also a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would distribute more funds to districts throughout the state.

• For ISD 197, this would mean another $150,000-$200,000 per year, or about 0.2% of the district’s annual budget.
• There is no cost to taxpayers. The Permanent School Fund is paid for through sales and proceeds from state lands.
• But it’s not enough to significantly close ISD 197’s budget gap. Cuts will still be necessary.
• Unlike other ballot measures, not voting on a Constitutional amendment counts as a no vote.

Property Tax Headwinds

This levy comes at a complicated time for voters and taxpayers:

• Dakota County is looking at a significant property tax increase.
• The Permanent School Fund Amendment gives voters the opportunity to increase school funding without a tax increase.
• This makes the ISD 197 levy one of voters’ only chances to limit their tax burden this fall.

Where to Find Out More

• ISD 197 has a website that breaks down why the levy is necessary and how it will impact individual households.
• The district will be hosting an information meeting about the levy on October 29 from 5-7 p.m. at Thompson Park Activity Center Lodge (1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul).
• You can also see what the school board candidates have to say about the levy.
• A vote yes committee is sharing information and advocating for the renewal. (At this time we’re not aware of any organized ‘vote no’ campaigns.)
• The Minnesota School Board Association has a website explaining the Permanent School Fund amendment.
• See our full voter’s guide for information on other local races.

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