A guide to the capital projects levy
I hope the start of the school year and fall activities have been enjoyable. We are committed to making sure families and community members have the information they need to stay engaged and informed. Although there is always a lot going on, this fall we want to take extra time to make sure our community members understand the Capital Projects Levy Referendum that is scheduled for November 4, 2025. The goal of this article is to explain what the levy is, why it’s needed, what it would cost, and how we move forward depending on the outcome. We hope the information below is helpful, as it is my goal to make sure you have the information needed to make an informed decision.
What is a Capital Projects Levy?
A Capital Projects Levy is a local property tax approved by voters that provides funding for purchases for infrastructure, technology, curriculum, transportation, and deferred maintenance. Specifically at Triton, if voters approve, these funds will be used to support the following projects.
Technology Investments — Staff and student devices, network upgrades, instructional technology, online curriculum, technology staff, and intervention resources.
Curricular Investments — Updated textbooks and materials.
Facility Improvements — Deferred maintenance needs throughout the facility.
Transportation Updates — Replacement of aging buses and vans to ensure a safe, efficient transportation fleet.
Why Do We Need a Capital Projects Levy? Why Now?
Like many other school districts, Triton is experiencing a gap between the cost of education and state funding. Inflationary increases and financial requirements in program areas create additional financial pressure. Triton Public Schools surveyed taxpayers in June-July of 2025. The results were that the majority were in favor of the $650,000 tax increase. Due to inflationary costs and funding gaps, we are facing a significant budget challenge. After budget reductions to right-size with declining enrollment, we are still facing difficult decisions.
Our unassigned fund balance is below the board-approved level. We have been proactive by reducing our budget for this year, but we have needs to maintain programming and high-quality teaching and learning experiences in a safe environment. Our current tax rate lags behind area schools, and an investment is needed at this time
What Will This Cost?
If the levy is approved by voters, Triton Schools would receive $650,000 in additional revenue per year for 10 years. This tax increase for a $250,000 residential home would be $6.00 per month or $72 per year. Agricultural Homestead (average value per acre of land and buildings valued at $11,500) would see an increase of $1.82 per acre per year or $0.15 per month. Agricultural Non-Homestead (average value per acre of land and buildings valued at $11,500) would increase by $3.65 per acre per year or $0.30 per month.
Calculating the tax impact can be difficult for property owners, especially agricultural land owners, and we want to make sure accurate information is available. A tax calculator is available on the Triton Levy Informational webpage https://www.triton.k12.mn.us/page/levy. You can also contact the Triton District Office, and we will make sure you have an accurate tax impact figure.
What Happens If the Capital Projects Levy Passes? What Happens If It Doesn’t?
This levy provides an opportunity to strengthen the financial stability of our school district and continue to support strong programming and opportunities for students. It is an investment in our future, and even with the increased tax rates, we would remain lower than most neighboring schools. On the other hand, if the levy does not pass, we will need to make some tough decisions regarding our budget. We will continue to adjust staffing and budget to align with enrollment, but additional reductions would be necessary. These reductions could affect class sizes, programming, and our transportation fleet.
How Do I Find Out More Information?
We have put together a comprehensive Levy Webpage listing background information, facts, a tax calculator, frequently asked questions, and voter information, https://www.triton.k12.mn.us/page/levy. Additional informational sessions and meetings will be taking place according to the schedule listed below.
Claremont Chamber Meeting — Tuesday, September 2, 5:30 PM, Claremont Legion
Ashland Township Meeting — Monday, September 8, 8:00 PM, Ashland Township Hall
Ellington Township Meeting — Tuesday, September 16, 7:00 PM, Ellington Township Hall
Cherry Grove Township Meeting — Wednesday, September 17, 8:00 PM, Cherry Grove Township Hall.
Dodge Center Lions Meeting — Monday, September 22, 5:00 PM, Annadine
Ripley Township Meeting — Thursday, October 2, 5:30 PM, Ripley Township Hall
Aurora Township Meeting — Monday, October 6, 7:00 PM, Aurora Township Hall
Dodge Center Chamber Meeting — Tuesday, October 7, 8:00 AM, Center Family Restaurant.
Milton Township Meeting — Tuesday, October 7, 7:00 PM, Milton Township Hall
Concord Township Meeting — Thursday, October 9, 7:00 PM, Concord Township Hall
Wasioja Township Meeting — Monday, October 13, 7:00 PM, Wasioja Township Hall
Claremont Township Meeting — Tuesday, October 14, 7:00 PM, Claremont Legion
West Concord Informational Meeting — Thursday, October 16, following City Council Meeting, approximately 7:40 PM. Bell Tower Center, West Concord.
Claremont Infomational Meeting — Tuesday, October 21, 7:00 PM, Claremont City Hall
Dodge Center Informational Meeting — Thursday, October 23, 7:00 PM, DC City Hall
Thank you for reading this article and for your continued support and engagement. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if I can provide any further information.