|
Success, Support, Safety
On November 5, our community will be asked to make some very important decisions about the future of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. On the ballot is an operating levy proposal that impacts our district’s financial stability, our quality of education and the safety of our students and staff. Alongside this, our community will elect three School Board members, residents who will help lead PLSAS over the next four years.
I know that many of you have likely grown tired of the seemingly constant political messages at the local, state and national levels. But I encourage you - if you haven’t done so already - to take just a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the facts of the PLSAS operating levy proposal before heading to the polls on Tuesday. Over the last several months I’ve given more than 30 presentations to groups across our district to explain the facts of the operating levy, and we’ve made resources available online at www.plsas.org/referendum, including a video and quick facts that clearly lay out the information.
Like many other school districts in Minnesota and across the country, PLSAS is facing serious budget challenges. We are facing rising costs due to inflation, unfunded mandates and declining enrollment, which reduces the amount of revenue available to invest in the growing needs of our students.
If the levy proposal is approved by voters, the additional funds would allow us to not only maintain what we have but also support investments in programs and services that directly benefit our students as well as programs aligned with our new Strategic Plan, which was shaped by those we serve in our community. We would:
• Enhance academic excellence that increases student performance and outcomes
• Increase staffing for behavior intervention and student support
• Expand career pathway programs
• Strengthen safety and security at all schools
It’s important to note that PLSAS’ current operating levy is one of the lowest in the area, leaving us with less funding than neighboring districts to support our schools and maintain competitive programs for students.
If approved, the tax impact on the average homeowner ($445,500 median home value) would be an additional $45 per month with an inflationary factor included. Our website also includes a tax calculator so that you can find the exact cost for your home. We would also establish a Referendum Oversight Committee tasked with monitoring the implementation of levy measures.
If the levy isn’t approved, we face painful budget cuts which could include closing one or more elementary schools, resulting in boundary changes, increasing class sizes, staff reductions, reducing student programs and more.
Asking for additional funds from our community is not easy. Please know that we are dedicated to managing your tax dollars wisely and being open about how we use our funds efficiently and effectively. I encourage you to take a few moments to learn about this important proposal and consider how this decision will impact the future of our schools and community. Your vote is crucial in shaping what comes next for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools.
| 
