Sustaining Excellence
At Moorhead Area Public Schools, we are guided by a clear purpose: helping every learner thrive in a changing world. Through strong relationships, high expectations, and responsible stewardship of public resources, we are building foundations for the future.
We are proud of the progress we’ve made — from literacy gains and real-world learning at the Moorhead High School Career Academy to a decade of enrollment growth and statewide recognition in academics and activities. But like many school districts across Minnesota, we are facing serious funding challenges.
Despite making $4 million in budget cuts this year, we face another $5 million in cuts next year without additional funding. These ongoing cuts undermine the quality of education in our classrooms and make it difficult to invest in the future.
That’s why the district is proposing a two-question referendum on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to stabilize our budget and protect the learning opportunities our students deserve.
This website will serve as the hub of information about the referendum over the coming months. Please stay tuned for more details on our financial challenges, the plan, tax impact, voting, and more.
Our Challenges
Moorhead Area Public Schools is facing a growing financial gap driven by three key challenges:
A 20-Year State Funding Gap: Adjusted for inflation, the state contributes 18.6% less toward general education than it did in 2005. At the same time, new mandates and rising expectations have required districts like ours to do more with significantly less support.
Below-Average Local Funding: Our district has an operating levy of just $224 per student, and no capital projects levy.
Limited Options: Like many districts, we’ve already made tough decisions to reduce spending. Following an unsuccessful referendum last year, Moorhead Area Public Schools made $4 million in budget cuts, and faces an additional $5 million in cuts next year without new funding.
The cuts our district made this year were mostly kept out of classrooms. However, we will not be able to avoid impacting education going forward. Major cuts year after year put high-quality education at risk.
The Plan
Stabilize the Budget, Protect Student Success
The Moorhead Area School Board has proposed a two-question referendum to voters this fall.
Question One asks voters to consider an operating levy that would generate $4.37 million each year ($575 per pupil) for 10 years.
An operating levy helps fund a school district’s operating budget, which pays for day-to-day school functions. This includes teacher and staff salaries, supplies, program costs, utilities, and routine maintenance.
Question Two proposes a capital projects levy that would generate $1.5 million per year for 10 years.
A capital projects levy helps fund a school district’s capital, technology, and transportation needs, keeping the general fund focused on students and learning.
Why Two Questions?
The two levies serve different, important purposes — and state law requires them to be voted on separately because they impact different types of property taxes. Operating levies apply to residential and commercial/industrial property. Capital projects levies apply to all property types.
The Impact: What’s at Stake?
If the Referendum Fails:
$5 million in cuts next year
Fewer teachers, larger class sizes, and reduced student programs
Deeper cuts to academics, arts, and electives
Budget instability that threatens innovation and progress
If the Referendum Passes:
Protect staffing levels, class sizes and student support
Maintain quality academic and extracurricular programs
Sustain critical services and future-ready learning
Restore financial stability and invest in student success
The Cost
If the operating levy is approved, a home with a median value of $250,000 in the district would see a property tax increase of $18.91 per month starting in 2026.
If the capital projects levy is approved, it would add a monthly tax increase of $4.83 per month, starting in 2026, for a total of $23.74 per month if both questions are approved.
Use our tax calculator to estimate your specific property tax impact.
Voting Information
Early voting will begin on Friday, September 19. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.
Please stay tuned for more information on voting as the election nears.
Connect with Us
We want to hear from you. Please share your questions and feedback about the referendum by submitting this form, and we will do our best to respond promptly.