School District 197 Voters to Decide on $4.6 Million Annual Levy in November Election
Published: October 8th 2026.
DISTRICT 197 - Voters in School District 197 will decide on November 3rd, whether to approve a proposed levy that would provide approximately $4.6 million annually to help cover existing school expenses and reduce the need for additional budget cuts.
The district, which serves West St. Paul, Mendota Heights and surrounding area says it has already reduced its budget by more than $3.2 million over the past two years as expenses continue to outpace available funding.
According to the district, operating expenses increase by approximately 3% annually, while revenue grows by only about 1%, creating an estimated $2 million funding gap each year.
District officials say that without additional funding, another $2 million to $4 million in budget reductions would likely be necessary for the 2027-2028 school year.
Those reductions could include staff layoffs, larger class sizes, reduced student programming, higher educator caseloads and cuts to transportation services.
Of the $3.2 million already cut, approximately $2.55 million was eliminated from the 2026-2027 budget, including $1.73 million in staffing-related reductions and $825,000 in other expenses.
The district says nearly all those reductions represent permanent budget adjustments rather than temporary measures. It also reports spending approximately one-third less per student on administration than the statewide average.
If approved, the proposed capital project levy would generate approximately $4.6 million annually to help pay for existing expenses, including textbooks, school safety, utilities and transportation.
According to district officials, the additional revenue would help maintain current classroom sizes, student programs and services while allowing the district to rebuild its fund balance.
The proposed levy would have an estimated property tax impact of approximately $14 per month, or $168 annually, for a home valued at $400,000. The actual amount would vary depending on a property's estimated market value.
Only property owners within School District 197 boundaries would directly pay the levy through property taxes.
If voters reject the proposal, the district says it would continue operating with a balanced budget while pursuing additional reductions and advocating for increased state education funding.
The district also points to broader financial challenges affecting public education, citing a projected combined $223 million budget shortfall among Twin Cities metropolitan school districts for the 2026-2027 school year.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting began September 18.