ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Across Minnesota, almost 20% of public school districts this year are asking taxpayers to consider changes that will impact school finances come November.
From metropolitan districts to Minnesota’s rural schools, 63 districts have measures on the Nov. 3 ballot involving increasing or authorizing new referendum revenue, approving capital project levies or issuing bonds.
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In St. Louis County Schools, the district has asked voters to consider both an operating referendum and capital projects levy. If both are approved, the two questions would bring in approximately $6 million in additional annual revenue.
“We’re already in a financial situation, no different from where you see a lot of school districts,” said Brian Masterson, superintendent of St. Louis County Schools. “So we’ve got those costs, but we’ve also got an opportunity to access about $2.6 million in state aid.”
Last legislative session, Minnesota passed
Seasonal Tax Base Replacement Aid
, opening up an opportunity for school districts to receive previously collected taxes on cabins and vacation homes from the state.
“The Legislature did their part by passing this,” Masterson said, “but the on...