Frequently Asked Questions

Find Answers to Common Questions. If you don’t see an answer to your question, connect with us.

Questions About the Referendum

  • Pequot Lakes Public Schools is asking voters to consider an operating levy referendum to support the quality education and specialized programs that our students need. The funding would help support classroom instruction, student programs, staff, activities and other ongoing needs.

    This proposal also gives the district a chance to qualify for new state aid. If voters approve the operating levy, about half of the levy would be paid through state aid, and the school board has already voted to reduce existing local levies that are paid by local property owners.

  • An operating levy is a voter-approved funding source that helps pay for the daily costs of running schools. This can include teachers, support staff, programs, classroom materials, activities, transportation and other ongoing education needs.

    An operating levy is different from a bond referendum. Bond funds are generally used for buildings and facility improvements. Operating levy funds support the work that happens inside schools every day.

  • As part of the November 3 general election, voters in our district will consider an operating levy referendum to generate about $1,160 per student, resulting in about $500,000 in new annual revenue for Pequot Lakes Public Schools.

    If the referendum is approved, the school district will reduce other local levies, resulting in a net decrease in school property taxes for local homeowners and businesses. Taxes will remain unchanged on seasonal recreational properties.

    View a sample ballot here.

  • If approved by voters, the operating levy would help fund day-to-day school needs, including reading and math supports, career and technical education, robotics, band, activities, student programs, staff and classroom resources.

Questions About the Plan

  • The district is always looking for responsible ways to support students while being mindful of taxpayers. When Minnesota created a new state aid program for districts with significant seasonal recreational property like cabins and lake homes, Pequot Lakes Public Schools reviewed the opportunity with its financial advisors and considered how it could benefit students and local taxpayers.

    After that review, the school board voted to place the operating levy question on the November 2026 ballot and approved a plan to reduce existing local levies if voters approve the operating levy.

  • The previous bond referendum supported school facilities and building needs. This operating levy is different. It would support day-to-day school operations, including student programs, staff, classroom needs and learning opportunities.

  • Seasonal Tax Base Replacement Aid is a new state program for qualifying school districts with a significant amount of seasonal recreational property. If voters approve an operating levy, qualifying districts can receive state aid that pays for a portion of the levy. Watch this video for more information about the program.

  • No. Pequot Lakes Public Schools can qualify for the new state aid only if voters approve an operating levy referendum. If the referendum is not approved, the district would not receive this new state aid. The important point is that voter approval would allow the district to receive additional state funding to support students, while the school board’s action to reduce existing levies would lower school-related property taxes for district homeowners and business properties.

  • If the referendum is not approved, Pequot Lakes Public Schools would not qualify for the new state aid tied to this operating levy. The district would also not receive the estimated $500,000 in new annual revenue to support students and school programs. Existing levies for district homeowners and businesses would stay the same.

Questions About the Cost & Tax Impact

  • If voters approve the operating levy, school-related property taxes for district homeowners and business properties would decrease. For a home valued at $400,000, the estimated decrease would be about $72 per year, or about $6 per month. Taxes on seasonal recreational properties would remain unchanged.

  • This is possible because of a new state program called Seasonal Tax Base Replacement Aid. If voters approve the operating levy, Pequot Lakes Public Schools would qualify for state aid that would pay for about half of the levy.

    The school board has already voted to reduce existing local levies if voters approve the operating levy. As a result, the district would gain new funding for students, while school-related property taxes for district homeowners and business properties would decrease.

  • No. Taxes on seasonal recreational properties would remain unchanged under this proposal.

  • Yes. School-related property taxes for business properties in the district would decrease if voters approve the operating levy.

Questions About Voting

  • Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

  • Yes. Early voting begins Friday, September 18, 2026. More information will be added to this website as early voting hours and locations become available.

  • Yes. Any eligible voter who lives within the boundaries of the Pequot Lakes School District can vote in the referendum, whether or not they have children enrolled in the district.

  • Explore this website to learn more about the plan, cost and tax impact, voting information and find links to helpful resources. You can also use the Connect page to submit a question or request more information.

  • As part of the November 3 general election, Minnesota voters will consider a constitutional amendment related to the state’s permanent school fund.

    This is a separate, statewide question that is not related to the proposed operating levy for Pequot Lakes Public Schools. Make sure to look for both questions when you cast your ballot.

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