Why an Operating Levy?
Every day, Centennial students benefit from dedicated teachers, personalized support, engaging learning opportunities, and programs that prepare them for success after graduation. Like many Minnesota school districts, however, Centennial faces rising operating costs while state funding has not kept pace.
The proposed operating levy would help maintain strong classroom instruction, student support services, academic programs, and reasonable class sizes so Centennial can continue providing the opportunities they need to learn, grow, and prepare for their future.
Operating Levy at a Glance
The proposed operating levy would help Centennial:
- Maintain excellent teachers
- Support every learner
- Preserve student programs and services
- Maintain reasonable class sizes
- Prepare students for college, careers, and life
- Sustain high-quality schools despite rising operating costs
What Question 1 includes:
The proposed operating levy would help Centennial maintain the high-quality educational experience our community values by supporting excellent teachers, student learning, and the day-to-day operations that keep schools strong.
New Operational funding
$375 per pupil
Example taxpayer impact
$15.55/month on a $397,256 home
How Would Question 1 Support Students
Great Teachers Matter
Great schools begin with great teachers.
Every day, Centennial teachers inspire curiosity, build meaningful relationships, and help students grow academically and personally.
The proposed operating levy would help Centennial maintain the high-quality educational experience families expect by helping the district:
- Attract and retain high-quality teachers
- Maintain strong classroom instruction
- Support competitive staffing levels
- Preserve the high-quality educational experiences families expect
Behind every successful student is a dedicated teacher making a difference. Maintaining strong schools begins with supporting the people who make learning possible every day.
Supporting Every Learner
Every student deserves the support they need to succeed.
No two students learn exactly the same way. Centennial provides a wide range of services designed to meet those individual needs every day.
Some students need additional academic support, specialized instruction, or social-emotional services to reach their full potential.The proposed operating levy would help maintain the staff, programs, and services that support students every day, including:
- Academic intervention and specialized instruction
- Student support services
- Individualized learning opportunities
- Resources that help every learner succeed
By helping maintain these supports, Centennial can continue meeting the diverse needs of students across the district.
Preparing Students for Their Future
Preparing students for tomorrow begins with meaningful learning today.
Students need opportunities to build knowledge, solve problems, collaborate with others, and explore future careers.
Centennial provides engaging learning experiences that help students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they will carry into college, careers, and life through:
- Career exploration
- Hands-on learning experiences
- College and career readiness opportunities
- Skills that prepare students for an ever-changing future
The proposed operating levy would help maintain the educational opportunities that prepare students for college, careers, and life.
Maintaining Quality Schools
Since 2003, the district’s purchasing power has steadily declined while costs and state requirements have continued to increase. To respond responsibly to these financial pressures, Centennial has carefully managed its budget while working to minimize impacts on students.
Over the past three years, Centennial has made approximately $5 million in budget adjustments to manage these financial pressures.
The proposed operating levy would help the district maintain:
- Current academic programs
- Student support services
- High-quality staff
- Reasonable class sizes
- Day-to-day school operations
This additional funding would help Centennial continue providing the high-quality education families and the community expect.