[0:01] This fall, residents in Blaine, Fidley, [0:03] and Spring Lake Park will vote on [0:05] whether to increase our school [0:07] district's operating levy. Operating [0:09] levies provide funding for the general [0:11] operation of schools to support [0:13] learning. There is one question on the [0:15] ballot designed to minimize taxpayer [0:17] impact and generate funding for our [0:20] schools when it is needed. The question [0:22] has two steps. The first step increases [0:25] the operating levy by $550 per student [0:28] starting in 2026. [0:30] Homeowners of an averagepriced home [0:32] would pay less than $18 per month. Step [0:36] two increases the operating levy by an [0:38] additional $380 starting in 2029 with no [0:42] net tax impact to taxpayers. The [0:45] district has timed this step to coincide [0:47] with the expiration of existing debt to [0:49] avoid additional taxes. This brings the [0:52] total to $930. [0:54] These operating funds will help our [0:56] schools maintain our teachers and staff, [0:59] current academic programs and support, [1:01] critical safety and security [1:03] infrastructure and school facilities. It [1:06] also will support enhancements to career [1:08] preparation like internships and [1:10] apprenticeships as well as college [1:12] credit offerings. With the passage of [1:14] the question, the operating levy for [1:16] learning remains modest and comparable [1:19] to our neighbors. Early voting starts [1:21] Friday, September 19th. Election day is [1:24] Tuesday, November 4th. Stay informed and [1:27] learn how this operating levy would [1:29] maintain essentials for learning.