School District Referenda 2007

Ninety-nine Minnesota school districts have placed a referendum on the ballot in 2007 for operating levies—almost one in three school districts. Levies are an increase in property taxes, with the money used to supplement the state financing ("state aid") for education. General education revenue is comprised almost exclusively of state aid and property tax levies, and pays for most operating expenses except special education.

In our discussions with citizens, the Citizens League learned that people care very much about education in their community, but they don’t feel that they receive good information about property taxes. Instead, they feel they are marketed to from both sides of the issue rather than provided the facts.

This is an inaugural Citizens League effort to provide some basic facts. Below you can:

• Find whether a school district has been receiving more or less general education funding since 2000, how much of that funding has come from the state, and how much has come from property taxes.
• See whether enrollment is up or down, and whether pupil funding is up or down, since it’s important to note that state aid is based on enrollment.Compare districts to others.

This school referendum data focuses on school revenues. If you are interested in how your school district ranks in property taxes on homeowners compared to other communities, check out the Citizens League annual property tax review. Tax payers also support other education costs, such as school construction, with property tax levies, so you might find this interesting.

To start, select a district from the box below. You can compare data from multiple districts by clicking the "Add another district to compare" button below. When you have selected the district(s) you wish, push the "View Data" button below. If you return to this page to compare new districts, please push the "Reset" button and then choose new districts.