Why is ISD 110 Pursuing a Levy Referendum?

After making $4.6 million in budget adjustments, mostly cuts, in the Spring of 2023, and achieving a positive fund balance for the first time since 2017, Waconia Public Schools is at a financial crossroads as it focuses on the future and what matters most. 

The District remains in the bottom 25% of all districts in the State of Minnesota when it comes to per pupil revenue.

The decision to pursue a $3 million operating levy on November 4 is an attempt to maintain what district residents say they value most about Waconia Public Schools:

  • High-quality and experienced teachers and staff

  • A broad range of academic and co-curricular programs

  • Class sizes that foster the best environment for student achievement

The Process to Arrive at the Operating Levy Referendum

School board members and district administration have been working tirelessly to address budget shortfalls caused by a variety of factors. They have engaged the community at regular intervals to understand what is most important to residents of District 110.

School board members and district administration have been working tirelessly to address budget shortfalls caused by a variety of factors. They have engaged the community at regular intervals to understand what is most important to residents of District 110.

Budget Reductions & Adjustments in 2023

Projected deficit spend in 2026-27
Another $3.1 projected deficit spend in 2027-28

In Per-Pupil Student Funding

Due to projected funding deficits, District will require either additional revenue or make additional budget reductions

$4.6 Million

$1.6 Million

BEHIND MANY COMPARABLE DISTRICTS

2027

District 110 is at a financial crossroads

THE NEED

State Mandates, Declining Enrollment & Other Budget Impacts

In 2023, the State of Minnesota approved a significant increase in revenue for schools, for which we are thankful. Unfortunately, the state also increased the number of unfunded or underfunded mandates.

Our enrollment numbers have leveled off since 2020 and have even experienced a slight decrease in recent years. This is due to several factors, including lower birth rate, a move during the pandemic by families to homeschool children, and competition from private schools.

Other budget impacts include:

  • Increased costs of employee salaries and benefits

  • Increased costs related to purchased services including transportation

  • Increased costs related to inflation

District 110 Financial Snapshot

BOTTOM 2%

BOTTOM 25%

PROVEN FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Flat enrollment since 2020

Of MN school districts in per pupil State aid

Of MN school districts in per pupil funding when you factor in operating levies

District is OUT of SOD and foresees a projected fund balance of $3M in FY 2025