Will economic woes harpoon chances for 42 school measures?

Osseo schools parent Shawnee LeFevre is in a quandary: If she votes against a proposed school district tax increase Nov. 4, her children will suffer because of the budget cuts that will follow. But if she votes yes, it means another $300 to $400 a year in property taxes.

That's a problem for LeFevre, who has six children and operates a real estate business that has slowed as the housing market has soured. She and her husband, Kent, have cut out family vacations and don't go to movies anymore. She figures the district needs to cut costs, too.

But how will she vote? At this point, she doesn't know.

"That's been one of the struggles with us," she said. "It's darned if you do and darned if you don't."

Many families across the state face the same choice. Dozens of school districts are asking voters to approve tax increases at a time when everyone is feeling the pinch of a worsening economy. The presidential election threatens to drown out schools' appeals for more money, making prospects for passing funding requests even more daunting.

"The reality is with the economy being as bad as it is, the percentages of passing this time around are going to be lower," said Bob Lowe, an official with the Minnesota School Boards Association.

The shift in sentiment is even evident in Minneapolis, where school officials used to see their requests pass by wide margins. After supporting the schools' requests in 1996 and 2000, this year the City of Lakes Chamber of Commerce will remain neutral on the district's eight-year, $60 million-a-year levy request.

"The economic conditions are such that it's difficult for a chamber to come out in support of a tax increase," said Travis Bunch, City of Lakes Chamber executive director.

What a presidential race does

Next month, an estimated 42 Minnesota school districts will hit up their voters for more tax dollars to pay for such expenses as teacher salaries and school supplies. Besides Minneapolis and Osseo, the ranks include Robbinsdale, Prior Lake, St. Cloud, Duluth, St. Francis and Elk River. Thirteen districts will ask for bond or capital facilities dollars, used for building construction or major renovation work.

According to figures collected by the Minnesota School Boards Association, that's the lowest number since 1996, when only 37 districts held referendums. But in general fewer referendums are held on presidential election dates, said School Boards Association spokesman Greg Abbott.

The success rate for funding measures drops from 60 percent to 53 percent in presidential election years, said Don Lifto, who consults with schools on levy and bond elections as senior vice president with the St. Paul-based Springsted. That race brings out lots of voters who hit "no" as soon as they see a mention of higher taxes, he said.

But not everyone agrees.

"This district has passed some of its largest referendums in general elections," said Mark Bezek, superintendent of Elk River schools.

In Minneapolis, former school board member Ann Berget wondered whether, along with the noise created by other issues, the district was shooting too high.

"This is a provocative proposal if you look at the size of it," said Berget, who served on the school board from 1992 to 1999. "The promises that it makes are vague, and the recent history of the district is weak. ... People are losing their jobs, losing their homes and we don't know if we've seen the bottom yet."

Minneapolis Superintendent Bill Green said he's discussed the referendum and his plans to improve academic achievement with hundreds of city residents.

District officials say the money will help keep class sizes down, and improve the math and science curriculum, among other things.

"This referendum isn't frosting on the cake; it's barely the cake," Green said. "It's not even a dessert; we're talking about essentials here."

In 2000, more than 70 percent of city residents supported the district's request. This year, online discussion groups and community forums indicate many city residents remain undecided.

For the Minneapolis home with a median value of $256,000, the levy request would raise property taxes $17 a month.

Higher taxes vs. school cuts

In the Robbinsdale district, school officials are getting the same mixed messages that cloud the issue elsewhere.

Last year, the district lost a request for $23 million a year over 10 years, and the $6 million in budget cuts that resulted from that still sting. This year, Robbinsdale wants $9.4 million a year over seven years.

"We are hearing that people are concerned about the economy and property taxes," said board chairwoman Patsy Green. "But we are also hearing that people are seeing the effects of [last year's] failed referendum with larger class sizes. ... So, we are getting a lot of positive feedback that this is not OK."

The neighboring Osseo district, whose voters partially approved a levy request last year, is asking for an $8 million-a-year levy for 10 years and a separate levy of $5 million a year for five years to pay for technology equipment and training.

"Our message has been strong," said Osseo board chairwoman Kim Green.

Strong enough to overcome the other issues on voters' minds this fall?

"I remain hopeful," she said. "[But] I'm going to dodge that one."

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