Using asterisks to make “FUND” look like a swear word is funny and all, but funding for our Public Schools is serious business.
It’s important that we all know the facts, the costs, and benefits of the proposed questions.
I hope you’ll see it like I do.
I hope you’ll join me in voting YES on both Duluth referendum questions.
Here is some additional information from Duluth Public Schools.
The Impact of a Yes Vote and a No Vote
Q: What happens if voters approve the levy? How are the funds used?
A: The additional revenue from Question 1 addresses current and future deficits and keeps property taxes stable. Combined with right-sizing, Question 2 buys time to fix the long-term financial structure by stabilizing the district’s budget. Levy funds go directly into the operation budget that will support student services, maintain class sizes, staffing, academic programs, mental health support, and transportation.
Q: What happens if voters reject the levy?
A: Over the next two years, at least $12 million in additional cuts, equal to roughly 120 positions will need to be made. This could lead to higher class sizes, fewer student supports, and the potential reduction of student educational programs. In addition, Duluth Public Schools may enter statutory operating debt. This means the Minnesota Department of Education would step in and review the district's finances. A rejected levy would lead the district into making more difficult decisions like additional reductions to staffing and programs.
Q: What is the difference between an operating levy and a building bond referendum?
A: Levies are for learning, bonds are for building. When communities support an operating levy, they are providing the district general funds to use for teachers’ salaries, textbooks, co-curricular programs, transportation, computers, utilities and the general operation of the district.
On the other hand, a bond referendum provides districts dollars to make improvements to facilities and building infrastructure only. Bonds cannot be used to hire teachers, buy textbooks, or for the operation of the district such as utilities. Duluth Public Schools is asking for voter consideration of two operating levies. We’re keeping the focus where it belongs: on students, teachers, and classrooms.
Find a lot more information here:
