Voters back east metro school levies to fund operations, maintenance, technology – Twin Cities

It was an apparent school levy sweep for districts in the suburbs around St. Paul.

Six districts in the eastern half of the Twin Cities metro had eight levies before voters Tuesday and unofficial results from the Minnesota Secretary of State have all of them passing.

The levies almost all asked for new money to fund school operations or build and repair facilities. The requests also will fund technology and other services.

The measures included Burnsville school leaders increasing the district levy to the state cap and White Bear Lake officials asking voters to approve a historic-size capital levy for construction projects.

Here’s a closer look:

BURNSVILLE-EAGAN-SAVAGE

Voters in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage district backed a request to increase money for operations with 61 percent in favor with all precincts counted. The levy would replace two existing measures with one that raises $1.7 million more a year, bringing the district to the state cap of $1,900 per student.

It would be an $84 a year increase for the owner of a $250,000 home, the district average. The district is facing a budget gap of about $5 million and even if the levy passes it will need to close several schools to control costs.

WHITE BEAR LAKE

A historic $324 million capital levy didn’t scare voters away in the White Bear Lake district with 57 percent in favor and 24 of 25 precincts reporting results. Leaders asked voters to approve the money for districtwide construction projects, including a new elementary school in Hugo and an updated high school.

The money will be repaid over the next 24 years and will cost the owner of a $275,000 home, the district average, $280 a year. If approved, the projects are expected to be completed by 2024.

ROSEMOUNT-APPLE VALLEY-EAGAN

Voters in the Rosemount-Apple Valley- Eagan district backed a school board request to replace an existing levy with one that would bring in another $19 million a year. The measure had 64 percent of votes in favor, with all precincts reporting.

The new money would help the district close an $18 million funding gap, and without the increase, district leaders say future budget cuts will be needed. It will cost about $300 more a year for the owner of a $286,000 home, the district average.

MOUNDS VIEW

A proposal to combine two existing operating levies in the Mounds View district had 61 percent of voters in favor with all precincts counted.

Using the slogan, “Done for the Decade,” Mounds View district leaders proposed replacing two levies already on the books with one that will add $12 million a year in new revenue. One of the existing levies is set to expire, and district officials say approving the new measure will put Mounds View on strong financial footing for the next decade.

Approving the levy will cost the owner of a $275,000 home, the district average, $336 more a year.

LAKEVILLE

Lakeville voters easily supported two tax requests for schools with all precincts counted. The capital levy before voters was dependent on the operating increase being approved.

The $4.3 million in new funds for operations had 61 percent of the vote in favor. The new money will be used to add more teachers and counselors in the growing district.

The capital levy, which will raise $43 million for athletic facilities, technology and security upgrades, had 56 percent in favor. Projects include a gym addition, a new pool and practice fields.

Together the two measures would cost $228 a year for the owner of a $370,000 home, the district average.

SPRING LAKE PARK

Voters overwhelmingly approved the renewal of two existing levies, one for operations and one for technology and security, with all precincts reporting.

The operating levy, which provides $1.28 million annually, had 81 percent of votes in favor. The capital levy, which raises $1.33 million a year, had 80 percent voting “yes.”