By Rick Sansted, Alexandria Public Schools Superintendent
By the time this column reaches you, Alexandria Public Schools – ISD 206, will have officially kicked off its 146th school year. There is a unique, palpable energy in our hallways as our staff, students and families begin this journey. We are energized by the potential of the coming months and deeply committed to the success of every learner who walks through our doors.
Alexandria has long been defined by its commitment to academic excellence—a tradition rooted in the strength of our local schools. Our community has always understood that our schools are the heart of the cities and townships that we serve, contributing to the high-quality life we enjoy here. Yet, as costs rise and educational needs evolve, sustaining that standard of excellence requires us to be strategic and forward-thinking.
At a special meeting on August 3, the Alexandria School Board unanimously approved a vital school funding request for the November 3, 2026 ballot, known as the Cardinal Community Plan. This is far more than a simple budget adjustment; it is a proactive strategy to secure our children’s future while leveraging a unique legislative opportunity to bring state education dollars home to benefit local public schools.
Addressing the Gap, Seizing the Opportunity
For the past two decades, state funding for public education has struggled to keep pace with real-world costs of running a school district. While our district has managed to absorb $5 million in budget cuts in recent years—all while protecting the core student experience—this approach is reaching its limit. Faced with a projected $4 million shortfall for the 2027-28 school year, the School Board recognized that we needed a sustainable, long-term solution.
We found that solution in a 2026 legislative change. Twenty-five years ago, Minnesota shifted seasonal recreation and cabin property taxes away from local school districts and into the state’s general fund. This created an unintended burden on communities like Alexandria. Thankfully, the 2026 Legislature passed the Seasonal Recreation Tax Base Replacement Aid bill, designed specifically to correct this inequity. This new law empowers districts with a high percentage of seasonal property (over 15%) to qualify for state aid if they pass a voter-approved operating levy.
How the Funding Plan Works
This referendum is not just about funding; it is about efficiency and fairness. To access this state aid, the School Board is proposing a clear, strategic transition:
1. Suspend our current local optional revenue levy ($724/pupil, funded entirely by local property tax).
2. Revoke the older 2019 referendum levy ($595/pupil, also entirely local).
3. Replace both with one new referendum levy ($2,225/pupil) — with about 51% covered by the new state aid program.
The increased state aid will not fully fund our district’s budget gap, so the proposed referendum asks voters to consider a new operating levy that would replace our existing levies and provide $3.7 million annually for 10 years. Of this new funding, more than half — $1.9 million — will come from the state funding through the new aid program, not from new local taxes. The remaining cost is distributed among all property owners. For example, a $400,000 home would see an increase of about $10 per month, or $120 per year. With the state covering the seasonal recreational properties’ portion through the aid program, this maximizes the local benefit while minimizing the local tax impact.
Investing in Our Students’ Futures
If approved, this levy provides the stability necessary to empower every learner to thrive. It ensures that the Alexandria model of education—highly regarded since 1880—remains strong for generations to come. This funding supports:
- Retention of great teachers and staff.
- Maintaining neighborhood-oriented schools that provide convenience and connection for families.
- Innovative learning communities – the Academies of Alexandria – that deliver a personalized learning experience tailored to every student.
- Opportunities to partner with our community to deliver learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
What’s at Stake?
If the referendum is not successful, Alexandria Public Schools will miss out on this specific state funding allocation, even though it was designed for communities like ours. We would then be forced to confront our projected $4 million deficit through difficult, traditional cuts. This could result in larger class sizes, fewer electives, the loss of talented staff, and potentially even consolidating buildings or closing a school — outcomes that threaten the very quality of education our communities expect and deserve.
Since 1880, our school system has been built on the values of this community, fostering a tradition of academic excellence. As we approach the November 3, 2026 election, we encourage all residents to review the referendum details and become fully informed voters. Our goal is to provide the information necessary for you to make an informed decision regarding this funding request. We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support of our staff, students, and families.