Frequently Asked Questions

For more than 20 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.

Over the past few years, the school district has made over $1.1 million in budget cuts to address rising costs that have impacted staffing, programs, and student learning.  This includes the following: 

• 11 — staff members across the Elementary, Middle and High School

• 1 — Administrator

• 1 — Technology staff member

• 3 — Bus routes 

• 2 — Custodial staff

For the 2025 - 26 school year, higher costs have forced the district to plan for more than $500,000 in additional cuts, which will impact programs, student services and class sizes.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 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:

• Preserve teacher and staff positions to help maintain class sizes

• Keep curriculum and technology up to date

• Retain counselors and social workers to support student well-being

• Protect electives and career/technical education programs

• Fund basic building maintenance needs

If the referendum does not pass, the district will need to make significant budget cuts to avoid deficit spending. Because about 77% of the budget goes to payroll for teachers and staff, reductions would likely include several staff positions, which directly affect students.

The district would aim to reduce spending by more than $500,000 this coming school year, depending on final enrollment. Likely reductions include:

• Six full-time teachers, increasing class sizes by 4–5 students per class

• One to four non-instructional positions

• Cuts to:

  • Middle and high school electives

  • Curriculum

  • Counseling and social work

  • Technology

  • Building repairs

These cuts would 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 routine building maintenance.

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.

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

• Effectiveness: 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.

• Flexibility: An operating levy provides funding directly to the district’s general fund, which supports most day-to-day expenses. This gives the district more flexibility in how the funds are used, rather than being restricted to specific expenses.

We can’t cut our way to success. D-G-F Public Schools offers a wide range of enhanced learning options, from kindergarten 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 $250,000, the cost would be about $22 per month starting in 2026. 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 19, 2025

• Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

  • 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.