The Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce encourages area residents, business leaders, and community members to attend an upcoming Listen and Learn event on Tuesday, September 29 at 12 pm focused on the Alexandria Public Schools operating levy referendum.

During the event, Superintendent Rick Sansted and Director of Finance & Facilities Justin Dahlheimer will provide an overview of the district’s current financial challenges, the factors contributing to the growing budget shortfall, and the referendum proposal that will appear on the November ballot. Attendees will also learn how the voter-approved operating levy could unlock additional state funding through a new program designed for school districts in Minnesota’s Lakes Country region.

The rising costs of education, inflation, new unfunded state mandates, and increasing educational expectations are placing pressure on school districts across the state. For Alexandria Public Schools, that means a projected $4 million general fund shortfall in 2027-28, not including future inflation. Without new funding, the district will be forced to make tough budget decisions that could threaten the quality of education, including cuts to academics, support services, programs, and staff. Continued budget challenges could also require the district to increase class sizes or close one or more elementary schools.

If approved by voters, the proposed operating levy would generate approximately $3.7 million annually to support day-to-day school operations and student programs that families value. Under the state’s new Seasonal Tax Base Replacement Aid (STBRA) program, just over half (51%) of that funding would be provided by the state.

The increased state aid would not fully fund the district’s budget gap. If approved by voters, the plan would be funded through a property tax increase for property owners. For the owner of a $400,000 home, the estimated tax impact would be about $10 per month starting in 2027. Additional information about the operating levy is available at CardinalCommunityPlan.org.

The Chamber event is intended to inform residents and community leaders about the referendum and give attendees an opportunity to better understand the proposal before casting their ballots. Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and learn more about the issues facing Alexandria Public Schools and the potential impact of the referendum on students, families, and the broader community.

The event is open to everyone and is free of charge. Register by visiting the Alexandria Chamber website at alexandriamn.org and look for the registration link on the main page. Listen & Learn is a one-hour informative virtual event hosted by the Alexandria Chamber. These sessions offer information, education, support, and resources on topics that impact the community and its diverse business and organizational partners. For more information, call the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 320-763-3161 or email info@alexandriamn.org.