The Plan
A responsible, community-based investment in our schools
An operating levy to support student learning and growth Next Steps – Driving Forward
On November 3, 2026, voters will consider whether to approve a 10-year operating levy that would provide $500 per student — about
$850,000 annually — adjusted each year for inflation.
If approved, this levy will:
Revenue from the levy goes directly to the district’s general fund, which is used to support the day-to-day operation of our schools. Specifically, funds would be used to:
Preserve teacher and staff positions to ensure class sizes do not increase
Protect electives and career/technical education programs
Regularly update curriculum to best meet the needs of students
Strengthen classroom funds for teachers to pay for supplies and materials
Improve our heating and cooling systems throughout the District.
Why an operating levy?
Farmers pay levy taxes only on their home, garage, and one acre compared to other types of voter-approved funding. An operating levy provides the most stable and flexible source of support for learning. It provides the same amount each year for the duration of its term, and funds can support any aspect of education paid for through the general fund. This predictability helps districts budget more responsibly.
DGF is one of the few Minnesota districts without a voter-approved operating levy. More than 70% of districts rely on this type of funding to support basic operations.
What happens if the referendum fails?
Without the operating levy, the district will have to implement additional budget cuts that directly affect student opportunities, classroom learning, and facility conditions, including:
Reducing teaching staff (leading to larger class sizes)
Cutting support staff and coaching positions
Scaling back elective options, curriculum upgrades, and Career & Technical Education courses
Delaying needed improvements to outdated, inefficient heating and cooling systems.
These are not one-time cuts — without new funding, ongoing deficits will keep putting pressure on our classrooms, student support, and the overall quality of education.
That’s why the school board is proposing a local operating levy to provide financial stability and help us build on the progress our students and staff are making.