Cardinal Community Plan
Bringing State Education Dollars Home
Alexandria Public Schools 2026 Operating Levy
Since 1880, Alexandria Public Schools has created and sustained a highly regarded school system within a thriving community. We are proud to be a district which serves nearly 4,000 students across nine exceptional schools in the communities of Alexandria, Miltona, Garfield and Carlos. We are committed to comprehensive academic programs that foster personal growth in all students.
For the past two decades, state funding for public education has struggled to keep pace with real-world costs of running a school district. While our district has managed to absorb $5 million in budget cuts in recent years - all while protecting the core student experience - this approach is reaching its limit. Faced with a projected $4 million shortfall for the 2027-28 school year, the School Board recognized the need for a sustainable, long-term solution.
That’s why the Alexandria School Board is asking voters to consider an operating levy referendum to invest in the essential services, programs, curriculum and staff that support our students. Thanks to a new state funding program, half of the proposed operating levy would be paid by the state rather than by local property owners, if approved by voters this November.
If approved by voters, the Cardinal Community Plan would:
Generate about $3.7 million per year ($2,225 per student) to address the general fund shortfall.
Preserve funding for neighborhood schools, student services and retaining our great education staff.
Take advantage of Minnesota’s new Seasonal Tax Base Replacement Aid – available to school districts like ours with at least 15% of their tax base as seasonal recreational properties.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Absentee ballot voting is available starting Friday, September 18.
Explore this page to learn more about our challenges, our plan, the cost, and how to make your voice heard on or before November 3. Have a question? Connect With Us.
