School board adopts 5.83% property tax increase for 2025
The Woodbury School Board unanimously approved a preliminary property tax levy on Sept. 24 that will increase taxes by 5.83% for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The increase reflects voter-approved referendums, capital projects, and new state tax law changes that disproportionately affect homeowners with properties valued between $300,000 and $700,000.
The board voted 6-0 to adopt the levy, which serves as a ceiling that can only be adjusted downward before final certification. Chief Financial Officer Marie explained that the preliminary figure provides flexibility as numbers may change, but gives the community a clear estimate of the tax impact. The district will hold a Truth in Taxation hearing at O Park to allow residents to comment on the levy before it becomes final.
The levy increase stems from several factors, including voter-approved operating and capital referendums and the Early Childhood Family Education Levy. However, a recent state legislative change to the Homestead Market Value Exclusion is creating uneven tax impacts across homeowners. Homes in the $300,000 to $700,000 range are being hit harder than other price points, a consequence of how the state restructured property tax exemptions.
In other business, the board unanimously approved a resolution granting the newly hired Assistant Director of Finance, Jamie, authority to approve contracts up to $50,000. The superintendent emphasized this role is critical as the district manages two new school construction projects and significant additions to existing buildings. A portion of the assistant director's salary is funded through bond money approved by voters.
The board also approved four new district policies on their second reading, covering student interviews by outside agencies, vehicle use and parking, homeschooling regulations, and testing accommodations for students with special needs. All policies passed unanimously with no dissenting votes. Additionally, the board approved a human resources personnel report 5-0, with Director Theander abstaining due to a familial conflict of interest.
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Votes (4)
Approval of Human Resources Personnel Report (Consent Agenda Item E)
Dissent: Director Theander abstained due to familial conflict of interest.
Moved by Chair Sherman [22:07] · Seconded by Director Hawker [22:12]
This item was pulled from the consent agenda due to a familial conflict of interest involving Director Theander, who recused himself. It was then approved as a separate action.
Adoption of Proposed Property Tax Levy 2024 Payable 2025 and Setting Truth and Taxation Meeting Date
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair Sherman [1:17:40] · Seconded by Director Petri [1:17:52]
The board discussed the preliminary property tax levy for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, which showed a proposed increase of 5.83%. The CFO explained the various components contributing to the levy change, including the operating referendum, capital projects levy, and Early Childhood Family Education Levy. The impact of new legislative changes to the Homestead Market Value Exclusion, which causes varied tax impacts on homes of different values, was also a key point of discussion.
Approval of Revised Resolution Authorizing Administration to Lease Purchase and Contract for Goods and Services
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair Sherman [1:19:13] · Seconded by Director Theander [1:19:20]
The resolution was updated to reflect changes in the Chief Financial Officer's title and to formally grant procurement authority up to $50,000 per transaction to the newly hired Assistant Director of Finance, Jamie. The superintendent emphasized the critical need for this additional capacity to establish better systems and processes, especially in light of significant ongoing construction projects for new schools and additions, noting that a portion of the assistant director's salary is bond-funded.
Approval of Policies 519, 527, 611, and 615 (Second Reading)
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair Sherman [1:26:27] · Seconded by Director Hawker [1:26:39]
Paul presented four new policies for their second reading: Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies (519), Student Use and Parking of Motor Vehicles (527), Homeschooling (611), and Testing Accommodations for Students (615). All are new policies for the district, with Policy 611 specifically noted for including necessary legal requirements. No feedback or questions were received after the first reading.
Notable Quotes (8)
It allows for greater flexibility um if we do certify as the maximum or that ceiling um revisions do happen um numbers do change but again we're giving you that best estimate
I appreciate staff proactively reducing that because I remember at the time when we went out to the community for the bond we assumed that it wasn't you know that you always assume that okay this is going to be work we're going to have to do at older buildings like Elmo Anderson and because the community did pass that facilities Bond we did actually follow through and lower that
those homes that are in that 300,000 to 700,000 they're being impacted more
we don't have a lot of systems and processes in place and that can be on the educational side of the house it can be on the business side of the the house
the other real key part of this is we are building two brand new schools we are making a significant addition to one and and a partial addition to another and there are contracts and pieces that Galore that go along with each one of these and we do not have the team without Jamie here um to really have the capacity to do that
I mean I I think he comes with great recommendations but there's two people in the district who have that Authority it's myself and the Chief Financial Officer and so you know we may revisit this in a few months time um but um I I think if his in you know 50,000 will take probably 90 some percent of of what he does
I really just kind of appreciate the foresight in creating systems that are hopefully going to be sustainable beyond the individual um in that position um I feel like that's a good investment and particularly with our large $175,000 or million dollar Bond
again we are structuring this so we are a significant part of the this position and a significant part of a couple other positions are being paid for through the bond so this is not a General Dollar
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, state-mandated tests measuring academic achievement.
Individualized Education Program, mentioned in context of accommodations and student safety.
Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies (New Policy).
Student Use and Parking of Motor Vehicles, Patrols, Inspections, and Searches (New Policy).
Homeschooling (New Policy, containing legal requirements).
Testing Accommodations, Modifications, and Exceptions for IEPs, Section 504 Plans, and LEP Students (New Policy).
Preliminary levy ceiling to be certified to county auditor and state.
Public meeting to discuss the proposed property tax levy.
Resolution granting authority for procurement to district finance staff, revised to include the Assistant Director of Finance.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Public Comment: Compelled Speech and Pronouns
Public Comment: Special Education Staffing and Safety
Student Activities and Academic Updates
Para Shortages and State Reimbursement
Parent-Teacher Conferences Approach Change
Professional Development Day Planning
Elementary MCA Data Review
Property Tax Levy Adoption
Procurement Authority Resolution Update
New Policy Adoptions (Second Reading)
Strategic Plan Overview and Implementation
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