MINNEAPOLIS — A levy question will appear on Minneapolis ballots this November asking for financial support for school technology.
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is seeking $20 million in additional annual tech funding from taxpayers. The tax impact on a $350,000 homestead would be $7.80 a month, according to the district.
In a press release, district officials said the tech levy would minimize cuts to other MPS areas "by allowing the general funds currently spent on technology to be used for other programs and services."
“Raising revenue through this technology levy is just one way MPS is working to stabilize its financial situation and ensure a secure future for all students,” said MPS Senior Finance Officer Ibrahima Diop in a press release. “If the levy increase is not approved, MPS will have to make further reductions to resources, programs and support which are critical for our students.”
According to district officials, MPS is facing budget challenges due to increased costs from salaries, transportation, underfunding, and declining student enrollment.
The levy question approval comes five months after KARE 11 reported MPS was actively seeking ways to close the unprecedented budget gap that was projected to swell north of $100 million by next school year. In May, unionized education support professionals and the district reached a deal a week after a strike had been voted on over wages.
The board of Special School District No. 1 (Minneapolis Public Schools) has proposed to revoke the School District’s existing capital project levy (also known as the tech levy) authorization in the amount of 2.249% times the net tax capacity of the School District and to replace that authorization with a new capital project levy authorization in the amount of 4.728% times the net tax capacity of the School District. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $38,142,202 for taxes payable in 2025, and would be authorized for ten (10) years. A portion of this new authorization will replace the school district’s existing authorization of $18,142,202 for taxes payable in 2025, which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2025. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $381,422,020. The revenue from the proposed capital levy authorization will provide funds for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of technology systems, technology equipment, technology infrastructure and security, and technology support staffing.
Yes or No: Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the board of Special School District No. 1 be approved?
You can find more about the levy question by clicking here.
