Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Our Challenges
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Alexandria Public Schools is asking voters to consider an operating levy referendum to address the growing funding gap and invest in the essential services, programs, curriculum and staff that support our students.
This proposal also gives the district a chance to qualify for new state aid. If voters approve the operating levy, just over half of the levy would be paid through state aid.
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Like many school districts in Minnesota, Alexandria Public Schools is facing growing financial challenges driven by rising costs and shrinking state funding.
Funding Falling Behind: For the past 20 years, state funding for public education has failed to keep pace with the rising costs of education.
More Demands, Less Support: Meanwhile, new unfunded mandates and rising expectations require districts like ours to do more with far less support.
A Growing Deficit: The Board already cut $5 million in recent years. Even after those cuts, we are facing a $4 million deficit for 2027-28
Questions about the Plan
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An operating levy is a voter-approved funding source that helps pay for the daily costs of running schools. This can include programs, classroom materials, teachers, support staff, activities, transportation and other ongoing education needs.
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Seasonal Recreation Property Tax Base Replacement Aid is a new state program for qualifying school districts with a significant amount of seasonal recreational property. If voters approve an operating levy, qualifying districts can receive state aid that pays for a portion of the levy.
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If approved by voters in November, the operating levy would provide funding to maintain the proven model of high-quality education our community expects. By addressing the funding shortfall and taking advantage of new state aid, we will:
Maintain neighborhood-oriented schools that provide convenience and connection for families.
Preserve innovative learning communities – like the Academies of Alexandria – that deliver a personalized learning experience for every student.
Continue offering opportunities for community partnerships that deliver learning experiences beyond the classroom.
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Without new funding, the district will be forced to make tough decisions that will threaten the quality of education, which could include:
Cuts to academics, electives, unique community programming and essential student support services
Reducing 15 to 20 staff positions
Raising activity fees
Significant changes to our neighborhood elementary school model, which would impact students, families and staff. These changes could include:
Closing one or more of our neighborhood elementary schools
Re-drawing elementary school boundaries, which could change which school students attend
Changing how grades are grouped across schools (i.e. a K-2 school and 3-5 school)
A mix of the above changes is possible
If the referendum is not approved, district leaders will create a detailed plan to determine where budget reductions will be made.
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The district has already made $5 million in budget cuts in recent years, while working hard to minimize the impact on student learning. Those reductions included:
Increased class sizes, due to reduced teaching positions across the district
Cuts to administrative, paraprofessional, custodial, teaching and support staff
Removed the 5th grade orchestra program
Restructured the high potential program
Reduced technology support
Reduced funding for building needs and deferred maintenance
Questions about the Cost
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If approved by voters, the estimated tax increase for a median value home of $400,000 would be about $10 per month starting in 2027. The operating levy would be in place for 10 years, with an annual adjustment for inflation.
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In 2001, the Minnesota Legislature exempted cabin owners from some taxes used to fund local schools. But that money didn’t stay local – it became a new statewide property tax that cabin and business owners still pay to support state programs instead of local education. The new Seasonal Recreation Property Tax Base Replacement Aid program is about bringing that money back home.
If voters approve the November referendum, state aid to Alexandria Public Schools will increase by more than $1.9 million annually.
Questions about Voting
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
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Yes. Absentee voting began Friday, September 18, 2026. Find extended and adjusted early voting hours on our Vote Page.
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Explore this website to learn more about our challenges, the plan, the cost and tax impact, and voting information. You can also use the Connect Form to submit a question or request more information.
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As part of the November 3 general election, Minnesota voters will consider a constitutional amendment related to the state's permanent school fund.
This is a separate, statewide question that is not related to the proposed operating levy for Alexandria Public Schools. If approved, the amendment is projected to provide approximately $132,000 annually to Alexandria Public Schools.
Make sure to look for both questions when you cast your ballot.