HOW DOES THE DISTRICT RANK IN SPENDING?
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Minnetonka is fiscally conservative and operates very efficiently. Contrary to popular thought, Minnetonka spends less per pupil that the state average, in fact, $451 per pupil less than the state average and $900 per pupil less than our regional average.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE BALLOT QUESTIONS?​
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Voters will be asked two questions on the ballot. The first question proposes to increase student funding by $340 per pupil.
The second question seeks to extend the current technology levy at the current rate.
View the ballot questions here.
WHAT WILL THE TAX IMPACT BE ON MY PROPERTY?​
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If the first question is approved, taxes on a median value home would increase
50 cents per day, $15 per month or $183.29 per year.
For the Technology Referendum question, there is no change in the amount being requested and no change in taxes. The technology question seeks to extend the existing levy to 2025.
WHY IS A REFERENDUM NEEDED?
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Minnetonka relies on voter-approved referenda for 13% of its annual operating funds and 100% of its technology funding.
Local referenda are part of school funding in Minnesota. The state counts on local referenda to cover part of the cost for education in Minnesota.
The current Operating and Technology levy, passed by voters in 2007, expire in 2017.
WHAT HAS THE DISTRICT DONE TO CUT COSTS?​
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Minnetonka has aggressively reduced non-instructional operating costs to maximize dollars for the classroom.
Compared to other districts, a much higher percent of Minnetonka's annual budget goes to instruction (80.4%)
The district has also locked-in energy costs for 25 years and has renegotiated contracts to save money.
See how the district has cut costs.
HOW ARE SCHOOLS FUNDED?​
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Public schools in Minnesota receive funding from a variety of sources. The state of Minnesota has not been a reliable funding partner. Inflation has risen by an average of 2.5% over the past 10 years, while the state aid increase has lagged behind at 1.45%.
WHAT DO THE DISTRICT FINANCES LOOK LIKE?
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Minnetonka is one of only three school districts in the state with a Moody's Aaa Bond Rating--the highest bond rating possible for any government or corporate entity.
While money has been well-managed, a budget shortfall is projected with schools reaching capacity and enrollment hitting a plateau.