St. Paul Public Schools is planning on reducing its annual levy by 2% this year as part of its 2026 budget.
To get details on the district’s budget for the coming year residents can attend the SPPS truth in taxation hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the district administration building at 360 Colborne St. Tom Sager, the district’s executive chief of financial services, will present details on the levy for taxes payable in 2026.
Prior to voter approval of a special levy increase in the Nov. 4 elections, the school board in September set the annual property tax levy at 2% less than the one a year ago. District officials have attributed the reduction largely to changes in how the state factors costs for retiree health insurance, pensions, severance and unemployment payments, which reduced overall expenses for SPPS.
The levy amount for the 2026-2027 school year is $216.48 million, or about 2% less than the previous year. It is expected to be certified by the board Dec. 16.
In the past five levy cycles, the district’s total levy has increased approximately 3.5 percent per year on average, according to district officials.
Levy referendum
In November voters approved a special school levy referendum to increase property taxes in order to provide additional funding for the district for the next ten years.
The referendum received approval from 65% of voters, increasing the district’s general revenue by $1,073 per pupil for 10 years, beginning with taxes payable in 2026. The 10-year tax is subject to increase with inflation.
Voters approved similar referendums in 2018, 2012 and 2006. The 2018 levy referendum gave the district $1,180 per student, or $18.6 million per year plus inflation, in new revenue.
District funding
General fund revenue makes up around 76% of the school district’s budget.
Here’s a listing of previous general fund totals for the district by year:
• 2015-2016: $562.2 million.
• 2016-2017: $561.1 million.
• 2017-2018: $561.3 million.
• 2018-2019: $590.7 million.
• 2019-2020: $624.3 million.
• 2020-2021: $632.2 million.
• 2021-2022: $703.7 million.
• 2022-2023: $719.27 million.
• 2023-2024: $801.1 million.
• 2024-2025: $749 million.
• 2025-2026: $767 million.
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Property taxes make up 21.56% of total district revenue and total property taxes per student in the district is $5,914. Total property taxes per student in Minneapolis Public Schools is $7,804, according to SPPS.
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