Lakeville Area Public Schools — Transcript
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
School Facilities and Bond Referendum Strategy
Annual Property Tax Levy (Truth in Taxation Hearing)
Polling Location Consolidation for Special Elections
Facilities Bonding Authorization for Middle School Improvements
Votes (3)
Certify the Pay 26 Tax Levy
Dissent: None
Moved by Director Cameron [2:32:04] · Seconded by Director Baker [2:32:07]
Bill presented the proposed Pay 26 levy, noting a small overall increase (0.42%). He emphasized that state formulas dictate much of the funding, with local operating levies being the primary area of board control. The district faces an $18.8 million shortfall due to state funding not keeping up with inflation and a $6 million cross-subsidy for special education. Concerns were raised about the internal service fund (insurance) which experienced a $5 million deficit due to higher-than-anticipated claims.
Approval of Combining Polling Locations
Dissent: Director Thompson consistently opposed options that did not ensure equitable access or removed Scott County polling locations. Director Baker also voiced concerns about the process and lack of information.
The board considered consolidating polling locations for special elections, aiming for $20,000-$30,000 in savings from the historical $160,000 cost for 20 locations. Key debate points included potential negative impacts on voter turnout, particularly from Scott County residents who would face longer travel and different voting systems. Several proposals, including reducing to five, three, or two locations (with or without Scott County representation), were debated but ultimately failed to gain majority support due to concerns over voter access and equity.
Facilities Bonding Authorization for MDE Review
Dissent: Director Baker and Director Reenburgger voiced strong opposition to the timing, process, and scope of the proposed bond. Tony (an unnamed speaker) also expressed concerns about rushing the decision.
Moved by Director Swanson [2:51:36] (Original Motion), Director Swanson [3:06:58] (Amended Motion) · Seconded by Director Carbone [2:51:39] (Original Motion), Director Cameron [3:07:05] (Amended Motion)
Director Swanson moved to authorize administration to submit 'Option Two' for middle school expansions (Kenwood Trail, Century, Maguire) to the MDE, initially at $135.6M. This sparked a contentious debate. Director Baker expressed concern about proceeding given recent survey results showing low community understanding of the need and general tax fatigue, advocating for more time for a comprehensive plan and communication strategy. Director Carbone and Director Swanson countered with the urgency of space needs to avoid overcrowding in upcoming years. Director Reenburgger criticized the process, noting the survey results and the motion itself were presented without sufficient prior review time. An amendment to include all components of Option Two (totaling $139.6M, including furniture and tennis courts) was proposed and passed.
Notable Quotes (13)
funding is not keeping up with inflation and you can see the blue line is the inflation line. Of course, the dotted line is what we actually received from the state of Minnesota... If the state of Minnesota would have kept up with inflation, the... Lakeland School District, would have another $18.8 million in our budget.
The really thing the the only lever that we probably as a board control the most is number four the ref. Is that an accurate statement?
I would say that's a very accurate statement.
So by dropping down to two, three or four lo five locations, we're saving roughly 20 to 30,000... So then what we're doing in that $20,000 difference, $30,000 difference, we are moving from 20 polling locations to two, three, or five. Correct.
I don't think we should create an impediment by not having a voting place in Scott County and having all those people have to come up to Dakota County.
I don't believe we make accommodations because you live in a different county necessarily.
I'm concerned with going out for this at this time given the survey result data and the I would say the the climate for passing that in the spring. I think that was pretty clear.
if we don't make a decision as a board and we delay this, there will be and I'm going to exaggerate for a moment, there will be kids hanging out of the windows in the middle schools in I believe two years.
we have already failed these kids who are coming through who will be sixth graders in a year and change.
The survey information we did not have before the meeting. The actual motion that we're voting on was not even provided in the agenda. It was the first time that we were actually to hear what was going to be a part of this motion was when Director Swatson, you know, stated it when he made his motion.
You got to give the community the choice to make make their decisions... what I'm hearing is that we'd like to pair that with the building infrastructure and if you pair that together then what you're asking for is two levies to be asked in one election cycle.
when districts are looking at these types of proposals, it is almost unheard of for a v a board to be required to vote the same day that they've received the results of the survey.
If we wait till November, we will not have space to to start the school year of 28. ... We don't have space to start 27.
Ordinances & Resolutions (8)
Legal basis for the school board's authorization to prepare and submit facility improvement plans to the Minnesota Department of Education.
Contains 'Option Two' plan for middle school facility improvements, referenced for the facilities bonding motion.
The specific property tax levy for the 2026 tax year (fiscal year 2027) that the board certified.
The Minnesota School Board Association's agenda, which includes resolutions from school boards and potential state constitutional amendments.
Proposed amendment related to allocating resources from the public land trust for education.
An example of a survey-based referendum that pulled out a pool component to avoid overall failure.
A specific levy type discussed, which was renewed by the board.
The initial levy amount brought to the board in September.