Know The Facts
On May 18, 2026, the Centennial School Board unanimously approved a resolution to place two referendum questions on the November 2026 ballot.
These questions reflect the Centennial Forward long-range plan, developed through years of analysis, planning, and community input.
Maintaining strong schools requires investment in both:
- Student learning
- School facilities
This page provides clear, factual information to help voters understand how the plan is structured and what each question would support.
The Questions Before Voters
Residents of Centennial Public Schools will be asked to vote on two questions. Each question will appear separately on the ballot:
Question 1: Operating Levy
The district is asking voters to authorize an additional $375 per pupil operating levy to maintain strong educational programming and support student learning.
Question 2: Facilities Bond
The district is asking voters to authorize $108.9 million in building bonds to maintain safe, functional learning environments through school facility improvements.
How the Questions Work Together
Maintaining strong schools requires both high-quality learning experiences and safe, well-functioning facilities.
In November 2026, Centennial Public Schools voters will be asked to consider two separate questions on the ballot:
- The operating levy supports the people, programs, and services that make learning possible each day
- The bond supports the facilities and infrastructure where learning takes place
At-a-Glance Comparison
Maintaining strong schools requires both strong learning experiences and well-functioning facilities.
|
Operating Levy |
Bond / Facilities Referendum |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Role in Plan |
Supports student learning |
Supports school facilities |
|
Supports |
Day-to-day operations |
Buildings and infrastructure |
|
Funds |
Staff, programs, and services |
Construction, renovation, and maintenance |
|
Type |
Ongoing funding |
Long-term capital investment |
|
Impact |
Maintains strong educational programming |
Maintain safe, functional, modern facilities |
Question 1: Operating Levy
What it does
Provides funding for the daily operation of the school district.
Supports
Teachers & staff.
Academic programs & services.
Classroom materials & technology.
Transportation & student support.
Why it matters
Operating funding supports what happens in classrooms every day.
It helps ensure the district can maintain programs, services, and staffing levels that support student learning.
Question 2: Bond (Facilities) Referendum
What it does
Provides funding for long-term facility improvements and infrastructure.
Supports
Building upgrades & renovations.
Safety & security improvements.
Updated learning environments in all schools.
Maintenance of aging systems (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, roofing, etc.).
Why it matters
Facilities need ongoing investment to remain safe, functional, and aligned with how students learn today.
What Would It Cost
If approved by voters, each referendum question would result in a separate property tax impact. For an average-valued home in Centennial Schools ($397,256), the estimated monthly tax impact would be:
QUESTION 1: Operating Levy
approximately $15.55 per month
Provides $375 per pupil per year for 10 years, subject to inflation
QUESTION 2: Facilities Bond
approximately $9.96 per month
Provides $108.9 million through 20-year general obligation school building bonds
What Happens If...
If the Operating Levy is Approved
The district will receive operating funds for day-to-day programming and services
If the Bond is Approved
The district will receive funding for facility improvements.
If Neither Question Is Approved
The district will not move forward with either funding source. Future planning and funding options will need to be reconsidered.
Voting Information
Election Day | November 3, 2026
Polls open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m
Early Voting
September 18, 2026
In-person & mailed absentee voting begins at 8 a.m.
October 24, 2026
Saturday Absentee Voting from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
October 31, 2026
Saturday Absentee Voting from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
November 1, 2026
Sunday Absentee Voting from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Register to Vote
Are you registered to vote?
Register to vote, update your registration, and/or check your registration status online at the MN Secretary of State Voter Registration.
NOTE: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 is the last day to pre-register to vote for the November election.
MN Secretary of State Voter Registration
Who can vote?
To vote, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old on Election Day (16 & 17 year olds can pre-register)
- A resident of Minnesota for 20 days
- To vote on the referendum questions, you must be a resident of Centennial School District 12
- Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
- Not under a court order that revokes your right to vote
Have other questions?
Centennial Public Schools is committed to providing accurate, timely information.