Endorsements

"As a District 206 graduate myself, I am so proud of my 3 girls that will get to experience the Alexandria schooling system. I want them to have all the opportunities my generation had - and more! I want them to ride the bus to our neighborhood elementary school, I want their class sizes manageable, I want their teachers to feel supported by our community. I am voting YES for all those reasons AND because of course, I think local tax dollars should stay local to support the educators, students and future adults of our city. "

"As the parent of a child who is deaf, I know how important it is for schools to have the staff, programs, and support in place to meet the needs of every learner. Supporting the Cardinal Community Plan means protecting the people and opportunities that make our schools strong — from reasonable class sizes to student services and the resources educators need to help kids thrive. With new state funding helping offset the local cost, this is a meaningful opportunity to invest in our schools and our community."

"I’m proud to support the Cardinal Community Plan because I believe strong schools are essential to a strong community. Having spent many years working in Alexandria Public Schools, I’ve seen firsthand the impact great teachers, staff, and programs have on our students. For about $10 a month on a $400,000 home, I believe this is an important investment in our schools and the future of Alexandria. "

"Alexandria Public Schools is one of the key foundational pieces of our communities, and supporting the Operating Levy just makes sense. When passed, this levy will bring back millions of dollars that are being taken out of our local communities and sent to St. Paul and ensure that our neighborhood schools throughout the District get the financial support that they need to continue to be the amazing centers of learning that they are. The time to support our local school district and bring back our local tax dollars is now."

"Great schools in a community are a magnet for attracting new businesses, new professionals, and new community members. School District 206 has been a guiding star leading in education and innovation. Alexandria cannot afford to lose any of our fabulous schools. Our outlying schools bring identity and a sense of family to our students who attend them. Let's get behind this Operating Levy and support public education with our votes. I am Voting YES on the Operating Levy and strongly encourage you to do the same. "

"Our family hopes you’ll join us in voting YES for the operating levy. Our neighborhood schools mean so much to our family and to the entire community. They give our children a place to learn, grow, and feel connected, while bringing families and neighbors together. Supporting the levy will help keep our schools open, thriving, and strong for generations to come. It's an investment in our children, our families and the future of our community! "

"I’m voting YES on the school levy, and for me, this is personal. I’m a mom of three kids who attend our local schools. I’ve watched them grow, learn, make friends, find things they love, and become more confident in who they are. I’ve also seen firsthand how much the teachers and staff pour into our kids every single day. As someone who works in community services, I also see what happens when resources get stretched too thin. Schools are so much more than classrooms — they are a huge part of the support system our families and our community rely on. I know $10 a month can mean something different to every family. I don’t take that lightly. But when I think about the impact on my own kids and the future of our community, I believe this is an investment worth making. So, for my kids, for their teachers, and for the community I love — I’m voting YES."

"The influence and impact schools have on the fabric of a community is enormous. I am proud of our Alexandria Public Schools and the many positive ways they have made a difference in our family. This fall our schools need us to step up and be there for them. Over the last couple of years our district has had to deal with reduced state aid, increased costs, and as a result, made substantial budget cuts. My granddaughter just started kindergarten this fall, which has reminded me how important class sizes are. Teachers need to have the time and space to know and encourage their students. We need to ensure that our grandchildren will be able to experience the same quality education and opportunities that have been available in the past. We have an outstanding school system, but we should not take that for granted. On November 3rd, each one of us can do our part by voting yes on the proposed operating levy. Doing so will stabilize the district’s budget, prevent further cuts, and school closures, and keep our schools strong. Join me in voting yes in support of our young people, teachers, schools, and our community. "

"Voting YES on this year’s referendum is more important than ever. I’ve seen firsthand how much our schools do for students beyond academics. The positive impact that teachers, staff, and programs have had on my son's growth, confidence, and overall development cannot be measured in dollars and cents. Expecting our district to maintain the same high-quality staff, student supports, and educational opportunities while facing a significant financial deficit is neither realistic nor sustainable. Our children only get one chance at their education. Shouldn't that experience include great teachers, meaningful programs, and the support they need to reach their full potential? Investing in our schools is an investment in our children, our community, and our future. That's why I'll be voting YES on the referendum, and I encourage everyone to do the same!"

"I support the operating levy because rising costs (like diesel fuel) and inflation have left our schools facing funding shortfalls, forcing decisions based on budgets rather than what is best for students. Our schools are critical in connecting Alexandria, Carlos, Garfield, and Miltona by attracting/serving families, providing jobs, and stimulating community growth. State and federal funding have not kept pace with costs, and this levy offers a first-time opportunity to bring seasonal property tax dollars back to Alexandria from St. Paul to help protect and strengthen our schools. Without this levy, I worry the district may face difficult decisions, including closing schools."