In recent weeks you may have heard from district staff or volunteers about the upcoming referendum for Marshall Public Schools. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to speak with residents about the upcoming decision, and I am grateful that so many have our students’ best interests in mind.

For those who are unfamiliar: The referendum on this November’s ballot seeks to reinstate a 10-year operating levy of $675 per pupil for Marshall Public Schools. If approved, the levy would generate approximately $1.8 million annually to support the district’s operating budget, which pays for a wide range of educational expenses including faculty and staff, classroom materials, transportation, technology and utilities. If the referendum falls short, the district will face a budget deficit of nearly $2 million.

With Election Day now less than two weeks away, I want to take a moment to address some of the most common questions I’ve received about the referendum on Nov. 8.

Why is MPS seeking a levy now?

As many of you know, MPS allowed its previous $675 operating levy to expire in 2018. Rather than seek to renew the levy then, the district prioritized critical updates to facilities via the bond referendum in 2019.

Since then, the district has carefully managed costs and used one-time COVID relief aid to help bridge budget gaps. Since that federal aid will expire soon, the district faces a budget deficit without additional revenue.

What impact would the levy have on students?

The levy would allow the district to protect the staffing, resources and programs that are essential to student learning. By stabilizing the district’s finances, we would be able to maintain current class sizes, provide essential technology that supports modern learning, and protect staff and faculty positions that support the individualized needs of every student.

Why is a levy being proposed if the state already funds schools?

While the state serves as the primary source of funding for public education, its funding formula has lagged behind the rising cost of education for nearly two decades.

Many school districts have turned to operating levies to bridge this gap in funding. Over 70% of school districts in Minnesota currently have a voter-approved operating levy to provide the support needed to maintain services for students.

If voters approve the levy, does that mean the district will increase its spending?

No. The levy would provide the funding needed to maintain the current programs and services that students already rely on. The district is not seeking a levy to add or increase funding for existing programs.

What impact would the levy have on my taxes?

If voters approve the levy, a property valued at $200,000 would see a tax increase of $21 per month. By comparison, the levy which expired in 2018 cost approximately $23 per month for properties of the same value. The new levy would apply to homes and commercial properties equally, which means the tax impact on a $200,000 home would be the same as a $200,000 commercial property.

To find out how the levy would impact your specific property, check out the tax calculator that we are providing at TomorrowsTigers.org/cost.

Where can I learn more?

I encourage all residents to visit TomorrowsTigers.org for more information about the levy, its impact on education and how you can make your voice heard on Election Day. I am also available to answer any questions you may have at jeremy.williams@marshall.k12.mn.us.

Go Tigers!

— Jeremy Williams is the superintendent of Marshall Public Schools