Costly questions: School districts across Minnesota ask voters to approve more funding

Polls open for Minnesotans to cast their ballotA total of 70 school districts are asking voters for more funding.

In the absence of any federal or statewide races, the races for mayor and city council tend to get the most attention in off-year elections. However, thousands of Minnesotans will face some costly questions: Will you approve more funding for your local school district?

A total of 70 Minnesota schools are asking that very question — 17 districts are even asking for multiple increases — this election.

The Minnesota School Boards Association says that equates to 96 ballot questions from schools statewide, totaling $1.6 billion in requests.

Related stories:

Millions of dollars in tax hikes on the ballot as Minnesota schools go to voters

Voters in many school districts will be asked for extra money to fund schools in November

School districts around the state with ballot questions asking voters for help

Each school has a different reason for the requests, with common asks ranging from capital improvements or maintenance to safety and tech upgrades.

Of course, the amount of each request also varies by district, but some — if approved — could cost taxpayers hundreds of dollars extra per year.

Related stories:

Cambridge-Isanti School District voters face 2 potential school bond referendum questions

Mahtomedi Schools takes 2 ballot questions to voters

St. Paul Public Schools asks voters to approve tax increase to avoid ‘significant’ program, job cuts

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has been tracking the referendum requests across Minnesota and compiled a list of each one below. Beside each district, you’ll also find a link to its web page that explains its ballot question and related cost.

Many also explain that if their request isn’t approved, cuts are coming, leaving voters in the tough spot of approving, oftentimes, costly tax increases or dealing with education reductions.

To see your ballot before heading to the polls, click here.

It’s also important to note that some cities don’t have municipal elections this year, so polling locations may differ from other years. Find your polling place here.

The post Costly questions: School districts across Minnesota ask voters to approve more funding first appeared on KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.