On November 3, 2026, voters in St. Louis County will vote on a plan to help get more funding for our local schools.

This site outlines the upcoming ballot questions for the St. Louis County Schools, scheduled for November 3, 2026. It provides an overview of the financial necessities, state funding opportunities, and revenue allocation plans.   

If you have questions or concerns, please email:  referendum@isd2142.k12.mn.us or contact us at 218-749-8130.

Understanding Questions 1 (Operating Referendum) & 

Questions 2 (Capital Project Levy - CPL): 

How the Referendum Unlocks $2,654,344 in Annual State Aid  

With Seasonal Tax Base Replacement Aid (TBRA) and voter approval of Question 1 (Operating Referendum) AND Question 2 (Capital Project Levy), the district can generate additional revenue including $2,654,344 in annual state aid.  The Seasonal TBRA will reduce the local property tax impacts of approving the operating referendum.

What is Seasonal Tax Base Replacement Aid?

A new state law replaces about 45% of the operating referendum!  The state of Minnesota will use tax money already paid by cabin and vacation home owners and give it straight to St. Louis County Schools, but only if both questions 1 and 2 pass.

Why Do Our Schools Need Extra Money?

Our school district is running low on money for two big reasons:

• Fewer Students: The district has 260 fewer students than it did a few years ago. Since the state funds schools based on how many kids attend, the district has lost about $7.3 million over the last 6 years.  

• Increasing Costs:  Prices are increasing and funding is not keeping up.

• Buses: Went up from $100,800 to $167,000.

• Vans: Went up from $36,600 to $71,300.

• Computer Programs & Tech: Went up from $238,900 to $565,600.

• Doctor & Health Care for Staff: Went up by more than 25% each of the last two years..

How Will the Money Be Used?

If voters pass the plan, the money will help pay for:

• Teachers & Staff: Maintaining offerings and class size options.

• School Buildings:  Maintaining our school buildings.

• Sports: Costs related to high school sports teams at all 4 high schools.

• Learning & Technology: Buying books, learning tools, computers, and software.

• Transportation: Buying new buses and vans to get students to school safely.

Estimated Tax Impact of Operating and Capital Project Levy Referendum

Sample Ballot