Referendum

Capital Projects Levy is a term used in state law enabling school districts to seek voter authorization to provide funds for approved projects.

In short, a capital projects levy is for improving district assets, facilities and programs while an operating levy is for staffing the district.

If approved, the increase on a home valued at $350,000 would be $10/month.  The increase is onetime and will stay at that level for the 10-year term of the levy.  The amount does not compound or automatically rise over time. However, because property taxes are based on the assessed value of each property, the amount attributable to the capital project levy could change if property values increase. This adjustment is determined by county property assessors and is outside of the school district’s control. For example, if a home value increases from $350,000 in calendar year 2026 to $400,000 in 2027, the capital project levy will account for $12/month, or a $2/month increase over the prior year. Similarly, if a valuation decreases, the capital project levy will account for less than the prior year. 

If approved, the proposed capital projects levy would provide dedicated funding to support safety, technology, and facility improvements over a 10-year period.

In the first year, of the requested $3 million per year, $1.4 million annually would shift existing technology expenses from the general fund to the levy. This shift helps preserve classroom and program funding that would otherwise face cuts. Technology expenses include network costs, device replacements, and cybersecurity which are all essential for daily teaching and learning operations. 

Other immediate priorities include: 

• Safety upgrades at Garfield, Carlos, and Lincoln Elementary Schools for secure entrances.
• HVAC system updates at Garfield and Woodland Elementary Schools.
• Updating the building's lighting system for improved safety and efficiency at Alexandria Area High School.

The levy funding would also support longer-term needs and maintenance, such as:

• Safety and Security: Secure entrances, updated visitor check-ins, more cameras, and enhanced lockdown tools across our schools.
• Technology: Funding to replace outdated classroom technology and support cybersecurity for reliable teaching and learning tools.
• Facility Maintenance: Repairs and upgrades to HVAC systems, parking lots, playgrounds, outdoor athletic facilities at the middle and high school, and career-technical education spaces to prepare students for future success.

The Administration and School Board believes this plan addresses urgent needs now while ensuring long-term sustainability and responsible budgeting.

If approved, the proposed capital projects levy would last for 10 years. Once this term ends, the levy would expire unless renewed by local voters through a ballot measure placed by the school board. Unlike operating levy one-time renewals, capital project levy authorities may not be renewed through school board authority per state statute.

Alexandria Public Schools has a strong track record of responsible financial management. Over the past five years, the district has made $5 million in budget cuts to balance its budget while maintaining core services. These cuts have affected personnel and programs, including: administrative and secretary reductions, elementary science specialists reductions, and delayed maintenance projects. While the district has used reserve funds strategically to cover essential costs, this is a temporary measure and not a sustainable long-term solution.

Through careful budgeting and financial planning, we’ve prioritized maintaining high-quality education for our students while being transparent and accountable with taxpayer dollars. Our commitment to fiscal responsibility is reflected in clean audits and regular information sharing with the community, including the annual Truth in Taxation hearing.

The district’s five-year levy history shows an average increase of just 2.29%, demonstrating our focus on keeping costs down for our community. The proposed referendum funding would help ensure the district can continue to meet its needs without further cuts to essential programs. Our goal is to provide the best educational experience for our students while maintaining the district’s financial health.

Alexandria's school taxes are among the lowest of school districts with similar demographics.

Tax Comparison Residential Home 350k Neighbors

If the levy is not approved on November 4, the district will face continued funding challenges. This could lead to larger class sizes, fewer electives, and reduced services for students. Additionally, necessary security improvements, technology upgrades, and facility improvements would be delayed. Since the 2020-2021 school year, Alexandria Public Schools has already made $5 million in cuts and relied on reserve funds to balance the budget. Without new funding, these challenges may worsen.

Contact us at 320-762-2141 ext. 4223 or referendum@alexschools.org