Robbinsdale School Board Renews Levy, Averting Ballot Question

The Robbinsdale School Board renewed its $24.8 million operating levy on June 17, averting a referendum at the ballot box.

“What this does for our district is provide economic certainty,” said Robbinsdale School Board Member John Vento. “Not that budget cuts aren’t going to still occur in the future.”

The decision comes as the district is transitioning to new leadership. The board recently named Teri Staloch as the district’s next superintendent.

Revenue from the levy is used to pay for district salaries, benefits, and utility costs.

Due to new legislation, the board had a one-time opportunity to renew the levy at its existing rate without asking for voter approval. 

The board approved the decision in a 6-0 vote with Board Member Kim Holmes abstaining.

Holmes said she was “really uncomfortable” voting on the levy, and that she wanted to wait on the decision until the district’s new superintendent was in office.

 “The messaging is not there for me yet so I’m worried about what this is saying to our community,” Holmes said.

The Robbinsdale School Board renewed its $24.8 million operating levy on June 17, averting a referendum at the ballot box.

Other board members wanted to move ahead with renewing the levy to keep the district in a stable financial position. 

“We need to have a little time to bring new leadership in, get our feet on the ground,” said Board Chair ReNae Bowman. 

Voters had previously approved the levy in 2014.

The 10-year levy will apply to taxes payable starting in 2026.

“We can turn our attention to other matters, because we’ve got a whole host of them, you know, that we need to be addressing,” said Board Member Helen Bassett. 

Meanwhile, voters will decide the fate of the district’s capital projects levy this November. 

The board unanimously approved sending the $6.9 million per year levy to the ballot.

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