Safety & Security Mill Levy

On June 11, 2024, the taxpayers of Northern Cass School District approved a Safety and Security Mill Levy which allows the school district to levy up to 5 mills for a maximum of 5 years.

Below is the detail of funds received and spent to provide transparency for taxpayers.

Northern Cass School is the first district in the State to implement this unique funding opportunity. 

Currently the Northern Cass School District Taxable Value is $28,957,350 (includes properties located in Traill County)

5 Mills Allowed for the Safety & Security Plan would bring in approximately $140,000 the first year (collections starting January 2025)

FUNDING PROJECTS AND ESTIMATED COSTS SHARED IN MAY 2024

• Updates to Facility Camera System - $130,875

• Update Bus Cameras and Tracking Software - $73,795

  • Tracking System - $12,000 annually

• Safety Locks and Door Handles for all Classrooms - $24,686

• Controlled Access Systems for all External Doors - $45,810

  • Includes security system for the building - $1,525 annually

• Intercom System Upgrade - $210,000

  • Alert button in each room to notify the office and Resource Deputy of intruders or classroom disruptions

• Fence Around the Playground - $49,799

• Tinting all Lower Level and Library Windows - $23,590

• Replace Outside Doors - $102,900

• Bullet Resistant Glass on the Front Entrance - $16,990

• Re-key entire school building - $7,357

Property Taxes collected through June 30 2025 - $136,366.55

During the 2024-2025 school year, the school board approved the following projects to be prioritized:

• Tinting all Lower Level and Library Windows (completed 9/13/2024) - $23,590.80

• Flock Camera (license plate readers) - $6,630.00

• Demo for Bus Cameras (install and remove) - $1,906.25

• Vape Sensors for Secondary Bathrooms - $11,984.56

• Guest System check in - $11,999.30

• Playground Fencing - $6,450

• Snow Fence for Playground (temporary) - $220.26

• Pilot for Bus Cameras - $3,192.39

Safety Fund Levy Expense through 6/30/2025 = $65,973.56

In September 2024, Northern Cass was notified of receiving a federal award for the School Violence Prevention Program (also referred to as the COPS grant). The federal funds awarded will be spent on the following projects:

• Building cameras and license costs - $131,570.88

• School Bus camera updates - $54,702.60

• Radio upgrades (13 new) - $26,130.00

• Teacher Locks (for all classrooms) - $24,219

25% of the total cost of these funds need to be from local funds (approximately $59,155). Grant funding period is through June 2027.