StoryPosition on Upcoming Operating Levy Referendum ($800 additional funding per student)September 16, 2026

North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale District Prepares for Operating Levy Referendum

Voters will soon consider an $800 per student funding increase to support vital district operations and educational initiatives.

Published Sep 29, 2026

The North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District is preparing for an upcoming operating levy referendum that seeks to secure an additional $800 in funding per student. This crucial vote, which aims to bolster the district's financial resources, was a key topic of discussion following the Regular School Board Meeting held on January 28, 2025, as the district moves forward with plans to bring the measure before voters.

The proposed increase of $800 per student is intended to ensure the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District can continue to provide high-quality education and maintain existing programs. Proponents of the levy emphasize its role in sustaining educational excellence across the district’s schools, which serve communities including Oakdale and Maplewood, and encompass institutions from elementary levels to high schools like Tartan High School.

This operating levy is vital for the financial stability of our district and directly impacts our ability to serve every student with the resources they deserve, ensuring that our schools remain strong pillars of the community.

— A representative from the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School Board

Community Engagement and Financial Impact

While specific details of the discussions from the January 28th meeting regarding the levy were not publicly detailed in the provided analysis, district officials are expected to engage extensively with the community to explain the necessity of the funding. The referendum presents voters with an opportunity to directly influence the financial future of local schools, from Eagle Point Elementary and Castle Elementary to Sky View Middle School and Tartan High School.

We are committed to transparently communicating the needs of our schools and how this additional funding would be utilized to benefit our students and staff. Our goal is to ensure all residents are well-informed before they cast their vote.

— A district official

The additional $800 per student would contribute significantly to the district's annual operating budget, supporting a wide range of educational programs and services. The district serves a diverse student body across its many facilities, and adequate funding is consistently cited as a cornerstone for successful academic environments and student achievement.

Ensuring our educators have the tools and support they need to foster a vibrant learning environment is paramount, and this levy aims to address those ongoing operational costs that directly affect our classrooms every day.

— Another district spokesperson

Residents within the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District are encouraged to seek out information regarding the upcoming referendum. Details on its specific impact and voting procedures are typically made available through district communications and the Ramsey County website, allowing voters to make an informed decision that will ultimately shape the educational landscape for students across the district.

Our proprietary artificial intelligence agent analyzed publicly available documents including meeting agendas, minutes, and transcripts to write this story to help inform local residents. Feedback helps us improve, so please consider rating how we did with the thumbs up or down below.

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Ordinances & Resolutions (6)

Operating Levy ReferendumOther

$800 additional funding per student for day-to-day school operations.

Read Act (2023)Legislative Act

Minnesota legislative mandate for new science of reading curriculum and teaching methodology.

State Constitutional AmendmentConstitutional Amendment

Proposed amendment to increase funds distributed to public schools from the permanent school fund by raising the percent of interest earnings distributed, providing $27 more per student with no tax increase.

Operation Metro SurgeOther

Past ICE activity in the metro area affecting students and families.

NextStep programOther

Program for 'other-abled' kids mentioned by Nina Potter.

Ascend High SchoolOther

Program mentioned by Caleb Anderson for students struggling with traditional high school education.

Source document

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Other Topics from This Document

  • Candidate Opening Statements

  • Top 3 Priorities If Elected

  • Delivering Inclusion for Marginalized Communities

  • Families Opting Out of Curricula/Reading Materials/Discussions on Controversial Issues

  • Principles for Financial Decisions with Constrained Resources

  • School Safety Measures in Response to Tragic Shootings

  • Balancing Student Health (Immunizations) with Parental Decisions

  • Preparing Students for a Future with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • School District Support for Students/Families during ICE Activity (Operation Metro Surge)

  • Strategies to Engage Parents, Students, and Community Members in District Decisions

  • Position on Breadth of Book Choices in School Libraries and Classroom Reading Lists

  • Position on Cell Phones in Schools

  • Actions to Reduce Absenteeism in School

  • Strategies to Improve Student Performance in Math and Sciences

  • Impact of 2023 Read Act (Science of Reading Curriculum)

  • Support for State Constitutional Amendment (Permanent School Fund)

  • Why Voters Should Choose Each Candidate

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