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2026 Operating Levy Home

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Levy Information & FAQs

In this fall’s election, Brainerd Public Schools is asking voters to consider an Operating Levy. Operating levies provide sustained funding for the district's day-to-day operational expenses, bridging the gap left by state and federal allocations. These expenses include salaries for teachers and support staff, classroom supplies, utilities, transportation costs, and other operational expenses. 

Voter-approved funds from an operating levy can be used for various operational expenses throughout the district. They differ from the funds garnered by the 2018 bonding referendum, which are strictly for buildings.

  • Operating levies are locally approved funds that help support school district operating costs. The majority of Minnesota school districts have a voter-approved operating levy, because education funding is a shared partnership between the state and federal government and local communities. Operating levies help pay for things like staff, curriculum, classroom supplies, utilities, and bus transportation - costs that are critical to operating our schools and our district.

    Operating levies are different than bond referendums. Bonds can only pay for buildings. Levies are for classroom learning.

  • Without new revenue, Brainerd Public Schools would need to make approximately $15 million in cuts over the next five years to balance the budget. Potential reductions could include:

    • Closing two elementary schools, resulting in larger class sizes, longer bus rides, and the loss of neighborhood schools.
    • Relocating the Alternative Learning Center (ALC) or closing WESB, reducing program identity and student choice.
    • Reducing activities, transportation, and academic programs, limiting opportunities and services available to students.

    These decisions would significantly impact students, families, and staff across the district.

  • An operating levy is good for 10 years. 

  • Agricultural land is not taxed on an operating levy question—only the house, garage, and one acre.

     

  • Seasonal recreational residential property(i.e. cabins) will pay NO taxes for this operating levy.