Byron levy info session Monday night

Byron school officials have scheduled a Town Hall meeting for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, at Byron Middle School, to provide district residents with information on the upcoming levy referendum.
Residents are being asked to approve a 10-year levy, with inflationary increases, to help cover operational costs. This levy is structured to raise $1.9 million annually, based on a contribution of $800 per student.
Byron is one of 92 school districts in Minnesota without an active operating levy to support finances. Contrary to previous beliefs, the district has had operating levies in the past including:
1994: $208 per pupil for 10 years (Did Not Pass)
1995: $214 per pupil for 10 years (Passed)
2001: $126 per pupil for 10 years (Passed)
2009: $504 per pupil for 5 years (Did Not Pass)
2010: $450 per pupil for 6 years (Did Not Pass)
2011: $290 per pupil for 6 years (Passed)
Supt. Dr. Mike Neubeck said the district is facing many of the same financial challenges that have persisted since 1995.
School district financing has always been a challenge, he said, and without an operating referendum, the district will need to consider reductions that will impact educational offerings. He said the district recognizes that residents already provide substantial financial support, and are asking for residents understanding as they navigate these future challenges.
The recent increase in enrollment helped the district maintain essential services in the past, but this fall, there has only been a modest increase of 12 students. A recent demographic study indicates that growth may level off or decline if current housing trends continue, further complicating the financial situation, Neubeck said.