Referendum 2025

Shaping Our Future at ECCS

On November 4, voters approved the district referendum for Eastern Carver County Schools. The question, a $742 per pupil increase in the operating levy, was approved by 62 percent of voters.

“The district’s residents have spoken and we are grateful for their support,” Superintendent Dr. Erin Rathke said “This investment in our students and staff will allow us to continue to offer the exceptional education our community expects and deserves. We are excited to begin planning for what’s next for our programming and will be sharing that work over the months ahead.”

Approval of the referendum question maintains the district’s commitment to providing students with access to high quality academics as well as other programming to support student development and success. Unofficial election results by precinct can be found HERE. Election results are unofficial until they are canvassed by the School Board at its Nov. 10 regular meeting.

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Quick Facts

IF THE OPERATING LEVY IS APPROVED:

Stable funding for a strong future and priorities identified in the district’s strategic plan
Sustain academic opportunities and support for all learners through strong classroom instruction, targeted resources, and meaningful enrichment
Enhance gifted and talented programming at the elementary level, protect the investment in and growth of advanced academics at the middle level
Invest in additional counseling support at the high school level to address mental health needs and career and college pathways.

IF THE OPERATING LEVY IS NOT APPROVED:

The district would need to cut $6.5 million over four years to maintain an 8% fund balance. Potential cuts could include:

Increased class sizes
Reduction of music offerings, including elimination of 5th grade band
Elimination of kindergarten paraprofessionals
Reduction of media specialists
Reduction of elementary gifted and talented programming
Impacts to staffing supporting high school athletics and activities

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Referendum Information

At the July 2025 regular board meeting, the Eastern Carver County Schools (ECCS) School Board voted to place an operating levy on the November 4, 2025 ballot.

If passed, funding received from the 2025 referendum will allow the district to continue the strong academic preparation of our students, invest in greater opportunities for all of our students, including enhanced gifted and talented services at the elementary level, mental health support at the high schools, and provide greater stability for our fund balance to protect programs and services from enrollment shifts, financial fluctuations, unpredictability at the state and federal level, or other unforeseen circumstances.

This decision follows months of financial planning, community input, and cost containment efforts, including $5 million in budget reductions already approved for the 2025–26 school year. Additional cuts totaling $6.5 million have been identified over the following four years if no new revenue is approved.

The proposed operating levy would generate nearly $7 million annually to help stabilize school funding and maintain the core programs, staffing, and student support services that shape the ECCS experience.

How Can I Learn More?

View budget presentations and slides
Use our tax calculator to see your estimated cost
Read the official ballot language
Ask a question by email
Explore FAQs and fact checks
Attend a community info session
- Somali Community Forum: Thursday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m., Clover Ridge Elementary

Contact

Email: ECCSvote@district112.org

Call: 952-556-6107

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