100 school districts going to voters for more money

By Norman Draper, Star Tribune

Last update: September 19, 2007 - 10:45 PM

One hundred school districts, almost one-third of the total in Minnesota, will be going to voters Nov. 6 seeking more property-tax money.

That's the final number after Friday's deadline for districts to decide whether to hold levy referendums this fall. Thirty-two districts, some of which also are holding levy referendums, will hold bond elections to finance new schools, building additions and other construction projects.

The referendum number is the second-highest in recent history, eclipsed only by the 2001 total of 188.

Educators have cited inadequate funding from the Legislature and a large number of tax levies that will expire without voter renewal as the top reasons for the high referendum count. Some also have warned of drastic cuts in school programs, soaring activity fees and school closures if their funding requests are turned down.

Some of the districts whose referendum requests failed at the polls last year also are returning to voters. Out of 28 referendum requests posed to voters in the Twin Cities metro area last year, only 11 passed.

At least one district -- Anoka-Hennepin -- has held public meetings to solicit proposals on what should be cut should voters turn thumbs-down to its request for more money. The district has warned that it will need to make more than $41 million in cuts should all four of its tax-increase requests fail. A meeting held Tuesday at Blaine High School drew more than 200 people, while the first meeting, held at Champlin Park High in Champlin, drew about 120.

Norm Draper • 612-673-4547

Norman Draper • ndraper@startribune.com