Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Eastern Carver County Schools considering an operating levy now?
The district is facing rising costs in areas like salaries, student support services, utilities, and classroom materials—costs that have outpaced the funding provided by the state. At the same time, state funding has remained mostly flat, and ECCS has fewer local funding sources than many neighboring districts. After already approving $5 million in budget reductions for the 2025–26 school year, the school board is asking voters to consider an operating levy to help stabilize funding and avoid deeper cuts in the years ahead.
Didn’t ECCS already make budget cuts?
Yes. The district approved $5 million in cuts for the 2025–26 school year. These cuts included staff reductions and changes to programs and services. If no additional funding is approved, another $6.5 million in reductions may be necessary over the following four years. ECCS leaders have said that every cut has an impact, and they’re working to limit the effects on students as much as possible.
How is ECCS being smart with taxpayer dollars?
ECCS has already made cuts and changes to save money. The district continues to plan carefully, reduce costs where possible, and prioritize what students need most. Many ECCS staff—including teachers, principals, and Board members—are also local taxpayers, working to be good stewards of public funds while supporting our schools.
What exactly is an operating levy?
An operating levy is local funding that helps cover the day-to-day costs of running schools—things like teacher and staff salaries, classroom supplies, mental health services, and academic and extracurricular programs. It’s different from a bond, which is used for things like building renovations or new construction. In this case, the levy would not be used for any new buildings or facility projects. You can think of it like this: a levy is for learning, a bond is for building.
How much would the proposed levy bring in, and what’s the tax impact?
If approved at the proposed level of $742 per pupil, the operating levy would generate about $7 million per year for ECCS. For a home valued at $500,000—the average home value in the district—the estimated monthly tax impact would be about $23. You can find a tax calculator and more details on the district website.
What would happen if this levy doesn't pass?
If the levy is not approved, ECCS would need to continue reducing its budget. Up to $4 million in additional cuts are already identified for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years. These cuts could affect class sizes, academic and enrichment programs, student support services, and staffing levels. Specific decisions would be made by the school board based on community input and district priorities.
Why doesn’t state funding cover these costs?
State funding has not kept up with inflation or the rising costs of running schools. Over the past several years, districts across Minnesota have had to rely more on local levies to fill the gap. Operating levies are one of the few tools districts have to generate additional revenue for basic school operations.
How is ECCS being responsible with the funding it already has?
ECCS has taken steps to reduce spending and stretch existing resources, including the $5 million in budget reductions already approved. The district also regularly reviews its finances, participates in financial audits, and shares budget information publicly. ECCS is working to maintain quality while spending taxpayer dollars wisely.
When is the vote?
The referendum vote will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. All eligible voters who live in Eastern Carver County Schools are encouraged to participate. Early voting begins on Friday, September 19, 2025.