The Stillwater Area Public Schools can expect about $1.65 million in additional state revenue from two key education funding sources beginning in the 2014-15 school year, the district announced recently.
But the infusion of new money from a K-12-friendly legislative session does not make up for years of flat funding, according to Superintendent Corey Lunn, meaning the district still plans to seek additional money from voters this fall.
In April, the school board signaled plans to push for a $1,495 per pupil levy, a proposal to be finalized in August.
In a news release, Lunn said that the district still had to rely on "our community to help us maintain the basics and minimize future budget reductions, while allowing us to grow and change our schools to better prepare students for the world they live in."
The $1,495 per pupil levy would replace a levy that now raises about $1,000 per student annually and earmark new money to prevent future shortfalls and enact the district's new "Bridge to Excellence" strategic plan.
Board Member George Hoeppner said in a recent interview that the Valley Parent & Community Network, a group of parents and neighbors formed to promote strong schools in the St. Croix River Valley, was getting a favorable response in calls about the levy proposal.
"Knock on wood, we're feeling very good about it," Hoeppner said.
The South Washington County School District also is planning to put a levy question on the November ballot, but has yet to settle on a per pupil amount. The school board is expected to discuss the matter during its meeting on Thursday, June 6.
