The Cardinal Community Plan
This November, the School Board is asking voters to consider a plan to replace the district’s current levies with a new operating levy referendum. The plan is designed to invest in student learning, preserve our unique neighborhood education model and bring state education dollars back to our schools. This levy would generate $3.7 million annually to support the general fund.
Our Opportunity: Bringing State Education Dollars Home
Thanks to a new state program, half of the proposed operating levy would be paid by the state rather than by local property owners if voters approve the referendum in November.
How we got here
Twenty-five years ago, a change in legislation pulled any seasonal recreation (or cabin) property taxes away from local school districts and into the state’s general fund. This change ended up creating a larger tax burden on communities in greater Minnesota with property demographics like ours in Alexandria.
The 2026 Legislature passed a bill to address this inequity. The Seasonal Recreation Property Tax Base Replacement Aid program is available to school districts like ours with at least 15% of their tax base as seasonal recreational properties.
In order to unlock this state aid, a voter-approved operating levy must be in place.
-
On November 3, voters will consider a plan to replace the district’s current levies with a new operating levy referendum. This plan includes:
Suspending the current local optional revenue levy (LOR): Currently, this LOR provides $724 per student each year, all paid through local property taxes not eligible for Seasonal Recreation Property Tax Base Replacement Aid.
Revoking the 2019 referendum levy: This levy provides another $595 per student, which is currently paid entirely with local taxes.
Replacing these levies through a new referendum: If approved, this new levy amount would be $2,225 per student. The cost would be split nearly 50-50 between our local taxpayers and the state through the new aid program.
See a detailed funding breakdown here.
Supporting Student Learning for Years to Come
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.
