Levy 2025

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Overall, the levy would be in effect for 10 years and will be implemented in two steps. The first step increases the per student funding by $550 beginning in 2026. Then, in 2029 it steps up by $380. The full amount of $930 will be in effect then through 2035.  

The levy helps pay for all of the programs and services the state does not consider to be “basic education” and helps bridge the gap for many programs that are underfunded. The state underfunds services such as special education and support for health and safety. The levy supplements these services. Electives, activities & athletics, advanced programs, and more are not considered “basic education” and require levy funding. 

We haven’t needed to ask for more operating dollars because our enrollment has been growing, bringing in new revenue. We have also managed these resources very carefully. We haven’t needed to ask for more resources until now. Now, our enrollment is plateauing and enrollment across the state is predicted to decline following the state’s demographic trends. Further, state funding for education has not kept up with inflation and has not increased or met needs at all in critical areas such as facilities and maintenance and special education revenue. We are at the point where careful management is not enough to sustain what we have.  

No. That is a separate levy that expires or will need to be renewed by 2029.  

The total for operating levy dollars, when the second step goes into effect in 2029, will be $1,124. This is just under Anoka-Hennepin Schools’ current voter-approved operating funds and would put Spring Lake Park Schools at 30 of 37 school districts in the seven-county metro area.  

We will face difficult decisions. Over the next three years, drastic cost-saving measures impacting a student’s experience may include class size increases, staffing reductions, and program cuts. There’s a lot at stake.  

In 2019, voters renewed the current operating levy ($194 per student) and the current capital projects levy. It was a no new taxes renewal. In 2016, voters approved a bonding referendum to fund building needs as a result of growing enrollment. This resulted in the building of Centerview Elementary and significant building renovations across the district that have made our facilities what they are today. 

Our operating levy amount was last increased in 2002 (23 years ago).   

Education funding for schools, over time, has not kept pace with inflation and has not increased or met needs at all in critical areas such as facilities and maintenance and special education revenue. While there was an investment in education in 2023, that investment did not even come close to overcoming the funding gaps that have grown over the last 25 years. In addition, this spring, the legislature passed hundreds of millions of cuts to education that will go into effect in the next funding cycle.  

Levies are for learning and bonds are for building. Operating levies provide sustained funding for the district's day-to-day operating expenses, bridging the gap left by state and federal allocations. These expenses include salaries for teachers and support staff, classroom supplies, utilities, transportation costs and other operational expenses. Building bonds provide a one-time revenue source to support deferred maintenance and new construction. 

Strong schools contribute to strong communities – especially communities of our size. They equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and can attract families, businesses and industries to stimulate economic growth. Our schools also serve as a hub for community education and events and help foster a sense of belonging among residents in our district.