St. Paul voters heading to the polls Nov. 4 will see a ballot question on an operating levy for St. Paul Public Schools that would increase the district’s per-pupil revenue.
Here’s what that means, why it’s on the ballot and what its approval could mean for property owners.
What is on the ballot?
Voters will be asked to vote yes or no on an increase to the district’s general revenue by $1,073 per pupil for 10 years, beginning with taxes payable in 2026. The result will cost the average St. Paul homeowner — with the median home valued at $289,200 — $309 per year, or $26 per month. The 10-year tax is subject to increase with inflation.
The ballot language will read:
“The board of Independent School District No. 625 (Saint Paul), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District’s general education revenue by $1,073 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law.”
What does that mean?
If approved, the levy would raise $37.2 million annually for 10 years for St. Paul Public Schools, adjusted each year for inflation.
The funds would become part of the district’s general fund, which covers staff salaries and benefits, utilities and maintenance, transportation, curriculum, classroom equipment and administrative costs.
Previous levies
Voters approved similar requests for additional funding in 2018, 2012 and 2006. The 2018 levy gave the district $1,180 per student, or $18.6 million per year plus inflation, in new revenue. The 2018 levy — a 10-year levy — wasn’t earmarked for specific projects, but was meant to protect existing programs from further cuts while helping to pay for a district-wide strategic plan.
The levy referendum on the ballot in November would not revoke and replace the 2018 approved levy, which currently provides $1,167 per student, but will add onto it, according to Tom Sager, the district’s executive chief of financial services. Under state law, the school board could then choose to approve a one-time renewal of the 2018 levy as it’s set to expire without needing to bring it ahead of voters.
How much more will homeowners pay?
While the average St. Paul homeowners with a median-value home would see a $309 per year, or $26 per month, increase in their property taxes if the levy is approved, property owners won’t know the total changes to their property taxes for next year until city, county and school district levies are finalized in December.
How much to expect with city, county and school levies?
If the proposed city, county and school district levies are approved, including the special school district referendum, homeowners in St. Anthony Park, Battle Creek, Sunray, Highwood and downtown St. Paul would see their property taxes go up the least of any neighborhoods in the city, percentage-wise, while still seeing hikes of several hundred dollars.
Homeowners in the North End, Payne-Phalen, Thomas-Dale/Frogtown and the West Side neighborhoods would see their property taxes go up the most percentage-wise.
St. Paul schools levy for 2026
In September, the St. Paul school board approved a property tax levy at 1.98% less than the previous year as part of an annual process. That number will be finalized in December, but cannot be raised any higher. The tax is for 2026. Impacts on individual homeowners will depend on property values and doesn’t guarantee a 1.98% decrease on their property taxes that go to the district.
Why is this question on the ballot?
Without additional funding from the proposed levy, district officials say they expect to make at least $37 million budget cuts for the 2026-27 school year. If approved by voters, the increase will generate approximately $37.2 million per year in additional revenue.
The school board approved a $1 billion budget in June for 2026 with an estimated $51.1 million budget shortfall, which the district planned to cover using $35.5 million in reserve funds and $15.6 million in budget cuts and new revenue, including funds from the levy.
Budget reductions for 2026 have mainly come from cuts in the district’s central office departments, which make up 8% of the district’s total budget.
Funding from the proposed levy would help maintain programming such as arts and music, college- and career-readiness and language and culture initiatives, according to SPPS Superintendent Stacie Stanley.
Transportation, security and academic support services also face reductions if the district is not able to find additional revenue, according to district officials. However, anything is on the table for potential cuts, they say.
Further background
Local property taxes account for around 20% of the SPPS budget and the district currently spends more than $23,000 per pupil each year.
District officials attribute its budget shortfall to state funding not keeping pace with inflation in the past 20 years as well as increased expenses.
If state funding kept pace with inflation each year since 2003, the district would receive $1,470 more per student than it currently does, or approximately $50 million per year, according to district officials.
There is also uncertainty around potential cuts in federal funding and other revenue losses. Dropping enrollment, which is forecasted based on demographic trends, could add additional financial stress to the district, which receives state funding per pupil.
St. Paul schools officials have worked hard to get the word out on the levy referendum, using tax dollars to do so.
For more information on the 2025 election, including how to vote and information on candidates and ballot questions, go to twincities.com/news/politics/elections.
Related Articles
St. Paul Public Schools using taxpayer funds on special levy. But is it advocacy?
St. Paul: Inside Obama Montessori, Bruce Vento Elementary school renovations
New MN tool highlights school financial impact of federal shutdown
St. Paul Public Schools board sets levy at 2% less than last year
What do the MCA test scores mean and how should parents interpret them?
Leave a Reply