Frequently Asked Questions

For more than 20 plus years, state funding has not kept pace with the rising cost of education. Adjusted for inflation, we now receive about 19% less per student than we did in 2005. Because 89% of our funding comes from the state, there’s little flexibility when costs rise faster than state support.

For the 2026 - 27 school year, higher costs have forced the district to plan for more than $1,000,000 in additional cuts, which will impact programs, student services and class sizes.

On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, voters will decide whether to approve a 10-year operating levy that would provide $500 per student — about $850,000 annually — for day-to-day school operations, adjusted for inflation. If approved, the levy would:

• expand learning opportunities at the middle and high school levels

• protect class sizes

• retain high-quality staff

• Protect electives and career/technical education programs

• Keeping existing buildings safe, functional, and properly maintained.

Last fall, a similar operating levy referendum missed passing by just 33 votes. As a direct result of that shortfall and continuing economic pressures, the district was forced to implement more than $1,000,000 in budget cuts for the 2026–2027 school year across the District.

These cuts will affect both the quality of classroom instruction and the range of programs and services available to students.

An operating levy is a voter-approved property tax that provides a local source of funding for a school district’s operating budget — the money used to run schools every day. This funding supports teachers and staff, classroom supplies, academic and extracurricular programs, utilities, and building maintenance.

Agricultural and seasonal/ recreational properties will not be taxed.

For DGF Schools, an operating levy would help maintain quality instruction, protect student supports, and keep programs strong when state funding falls short. If approved, the proposed levy would be in place for 10 years.

Yes. The state of Minnesota provides most school funding, but for many districts it isn’t enough to cover the full cost of student services and educational programs. More than 70% of districts rely on a voter-approved operating levy to bridge this gap. DGF is one of the few districts in the state without this local source of support. 90% of Minnesota public schools have either an operating referendum or a Capital Project levy

The school board chose to propose an operating levy rather than other voter-approved funding options for several reasons:

• An operating levy provides predictable, consistent funding that adjusts annually to match the rate of inflation. By comparison, state funding is subject to change every two years.

• agricultural and seasonal/ recreational properties will not be taxed.

D-G-F Public Schools offers a wide range of enhanced learning options, from Preschool through college-level courses. We also offer a variety of extracurricular activities and athletics. This plan will help the district avoid significant budget cuts and maintain these important student programs and services.

Local schools are an important community asset that helps attract new families and new business to our community while also supporting businesses in need of skilled workers. Across Minnesota, strong schools mean stronger communities and local economies.

For a home or business valued at $300,000, the cost would be about $25 per month starting in 2027.

• Thanks to the recently approved boundary realignment with the Moorhead School District, existing DGF homeowners will see an annual tax savings as well as the properties transitioning from Moorhead to DGF.  

Please use our online tax calculator at RallyforRebels.org to see your specific impact. State tax credits and deferrals may be available to reduce your cost.

No. The operating levy would be in place for a 10-year period, at which point the school board could consider reauthorizing it as a revenue source.

The proposed operating levy of $500 per pupil will generate $850,000 annually to support the district’s operating budget, adjusted for inflation. This is the minimum amount needed to help the district avoid future deficits and maintain its current staffing levels, class sizes and student programs.

No. Just because the value of your home increases does not mean the district receives more money from you. The amount the district can levy is based on per-pupil enrollment.

Growing enrollment is great for our schools and has helped keep more per-pupil funding from the state in our district. However, revenue from growing enrollment has not kept pace with rising costs. As we look to the future, we must ensure all current and future students have the programs and services they need to succeed.

This is an important community decision that will impact the future of our schools. Every vote matters.

• Absentee/Early Voting: Begins Friday, September 18, 2026

• Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

  • Polling Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

  • Where to Vote: Dilworth Lutheran Church, Glyndon Community Center, Felton Community Center

All eligible voters who live in the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School District may participate in the election.

Community members are encouraged to review this website for more information. If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to the district through the contact form on the Connect page.