Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the needs of our schools? You came to the right place.

This FAQ is designed to give Marshall residents clear, straightforward information about the upcoming operating levy vote. Here you’ll find answers to common questions about why the district is making this request, how the proposal would affect students and taxpayers, and what it means for the future of our schools.

Whether you have children in school or not, this is an important community decision, and we want you to have the facts you need to make an informed vote.

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Questions about the district’s Financial Needs

  • Over the last 20 years, state funding for public schools has not kept pace with inflation. Marshall receives 18.6% less state funding per student than in 2005, after adjusting for inflation.  Rising costs for staff salaries, transportation, utilities, supplies, and mandated services mean the district must stretch fewer dollars to serve more students — many with higher needs.

    While we’ve protected learning through targeted programs and smart budgeting, continued budget cuts will make it harder to maintain recent academic gains, especially in math, science, and reading.

  • Yes. In November 2022, Marshall Public Schools asked voters to approve an operating levy to address the same long-term funding challenges we face today. That request was not approved. Since then, we have used temporary federal COVID relief funds and carefully managed our budget to keep programs and services in place, but those one-time funds are nearly gone.

    Unfortunately, the predicted deficits have now arrived, making a new operating levy request necessary to avoid deeper cuts that impact learning.

Questions about the Plan

  • Voters will decide whether to approve a 10-year local operating levy that would provide $2 million annually, with annual adjustments for inflation. This funding would stabilize the district’s finances, sustain academic programs, and maintain essential services for students.

  • An operating levy is a voter-approved property tax that provides funding for a school district’s day-to-day operations. It can be used for salaries, instructional programs, classroom materials, technology, utilities, and routine maintenance. The amount the district can collect is based on the number of students enrolled — not property values —and all funds remain in the district.

  • Yes. More than 70% of Minnesota school districts rely on an operating levy to help fund basic operations and student services. Since 2020, Marshall has been one of the few districts in the region without this type of voter-approved funding.

  • If approved by voters, the operating levy will allow us to:

    • Maintain class sizes that support individual student attention

    • Sustain successful reading, math, and science programs

    • Expand career and technical education pathways in trades, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, and more

    • Continue mental health services and student support programs that remove barriers to learning

    • Provide extracurricular opportunities that build leadership, teamwork, and real-world skills

  • The district will cut approximately $1.9 million from the budget. This will include 29 staff positions across all schools and reductions in programming and transportation routes.

  • Strong schools benefit everyone. They help maintain property values, strengthen the local economy, attract and retain businesses, and prepare the next generation of community members, leaders, and workers.

  • No. The operating levy would have a term of 10 years.

  • Higher enrollment brings in more funding overall, but the amount provided by the state per-student remains relatively lower than 20 years ago. Changes in enrollment alone are not enough to close the budget gap given the rising costs of staff, programs, and mandated services.

Questions about the Tax impact

  • If approved, the levy would cost the owner of a $225,000 home (the district median) about $26 per month starting in 2026. A tax calculator is available at TomorrowsTigers.org to estimate the impact on your specific property.

  • Yes. We’ve applied for state and federal grants, reduced expenses where possible, and used one-time COVID relief funds to maintain programs. However, these sources are limited and temporary. A voter-approved operating levy is the only reliable, long-term way to stabilize funding.

  • All funds from the levy will stay in Marshall Public Schools and go directly toward student learning, programs, and support services. The district will continue to share annual budget reports so residents can see exactly how funds are being used.

  • No. The district’s revenue from an operating levy is based on per-pupil enrollment, not property values. If property values rise, the tax rate is adjusted so the district collects the same total levy amount.

Questions about Voting

  • Election Day – Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    Early/absentee voting – Begins Friday, September 19, 2025 at the district office.

    You must be registered to vote to cast your ballot. You can:

    • Register online

    • Register in person on Election Day with a valid ID and proof of residence. A full list of accepted documents for registration can be found here.

  • Because the referendum is the only item on the ballot, the school district is responsible for administering the election. Early voting runs from September 19 through November 3, followed by Election Day on November 4.

    The decision to host voting at the District Office was made carefully and with several factors in mind. Selecting one central location provides consistency and clarity for voters. The District Office makes it easy to identify where to vote, while ensuring accessibility, adequate parking, and clear signage. Our goal is to make voting as straightforward and inclusive as possible for the entire community, and we will continue to look for ways to support voter participation.