Levy for Learning

This November, Jackson County Central Schools will ask voters to decide on two questions:

Question 1 – Operating Referendum

Replaces the current $460 per pupil levy (set to expire in 2028) with $820 per pupil, plus annual inflation adjustments, for 10 years.

Funds will support:

Maintaining class sizes
Ensuring strong academic programs
Strengthening long-term financial stability

Question 2 – Capital Projects Levy

Provides $250,000 annually for 10 years to invest in:

School safety
Technology
Facility improvements
Transportation
Curriculum resources

Why Now?

Like many districts, JCC faces significant financial challenges:

Inflation outpacing state funding
Increased transportation costs
Increased insurance premiums
Underfunded legislative mandates
Competitive pressures to recruit and retain staff

The current $460 per pupil levy and state funding are not enough to fully address these needs.

What Is an Operating Referendum?

An operating referendum provides ongoing funding for the daily operation of our schools. Our current referendum is set at $460 per pupil. Renewing, and modestly increasing, this amount will provide essential funds to: support educational programs, maintain quality instruction, and cover day-to-day operational needs. Our district depends on operating referendums to sustain programming and address rising market-driven costs.

A capital projects levy supports

the physical and technological foundation of our schools. These funds are used for Infrastructure repairs and maintenance, technology upgrades, and transportation needs. Think of it as an investment in the learning environment itself.

Why It Matters Now: Despite recent budget cuts and cost-control measures, we are facing serious financial challenges that could increase class sizes, reduce student services, limit class options and educational programs. We cannot cut our way to long-term success. Renewing and supporting these measures is an investment in the quality of education for every student in our community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2025

Jackson County Central School Board Votes to Move Forward with November Operating Referendum and Capital Projects Levy

Jackson, MN — At its regular meeting on July 28, the Jackson County Central (JCC) School Board voted to place two funding questions on the November 4, 2025, ballot: an increase to the district’s current operating referendum and the establishment of a new capital projects levy.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Mike Neubeck presented a detailed overview of the district’s financial landscape, current funding challenges, and community survey insights during the board’s deliberation.

Why the Referendum is Needed

JCC currently receives $460 per student through its existing operating referendum, generating approximately $$538,000 annually. Due to rising costs and inflation, the district faces a projected $700,000 budget deficit for the 2025–2026 school year which will lower the district’s overall fund balance percentage.

“Costs in health insurance, staffing, and legislative mandates are rising significantly faster than state funding,” said Dr. Neubeck. “The proposed referendum is about maintaining the quality of education and programming our community expects and deserves.”

Community Input Guided the Proposal

A recent community survey indicated that an additional $460 per student was unlikely to pass in its current form. However, the district believes a more modest increase paired with a capital projects levy would receive broader community support.

What’s on the Ballot?

The board approved placing two separate questions on the November ballot:

Operating Referendum
- Revoke current $460 per pupil

Replace with $820 per pupil
Term: 10 years
Funds day-to-day operations such as teaching, staffing, academic programs, and services

Capital Projects Levy
- $250,000 annually

Term: 10 years
Funds facility upgrades, technology improvements, and safety enhancements (e.g., phone/PA system, security cameras, cybersecurity, curriculum resources)

Combined, the two measures would generate approximately $677,000 in new funding annually for the district.

Impact on Taxpayers

If approved, the increase would result in an estimated $119 per year for a property value of $200,000, a figure that remains below the regional average for school tax levies.

Fiscal Responsibility and Forward Planning

The district has carefully outlined how each dollar would be used. The capital levy, for instance, is expected to reduce general fund expenditures by at least $175,000 annually, freeing up resources for classroom instruction and core services.

Dr. Neubeck noted that while the measures won’t eliminate all future reductions, they will minimize the need for drastic cuts and allow the district to continue “right-sizing” strategically.

Communication is Important

The district is in the process of developing a dedicated website to provide detailed information about the November referendum questions. In addition, a communication channel will be established to allow community members to submit questions and receive timely responses. A series of in-person informational meetings will also be scheduled and widely publicized in the coming weeks to ensure transparency and community engagement.

Key Dates Moving Forward

August 4: Special Board Meeting to Approve Final Ballot Language
August 6: Submission of Review & Comment
August 12: Ballot Submission Deadline
November 4: Election Day

Jackson County Central Schools encourages all residents to learn more, ask questions, and stay informed in the months leading up to the election.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Mike Neubeck
Interim Superintendent
Jackson County Central Schools