Operating Levy 2026
Current State of District Finances
On November 3, Kasson-Mantorville School voters will be asked to support a $500 per pupil operating levy to support the day-to-day operations of the school district. The proposed increase will generate $1 million per year to balance the district's budget and maintain essential programs.
Why Additional Funding is Needed
- Increasing Costs: Per-student reimbursements from the state funding formula have not kept pace with inflation.
- Unfunded Mandates: New state and federal requirements (e.g., READ Act, Paid Family & Medical Leave, Earned Sick & Safe Time, expanded Special Education) increase expenses without added state funding.
- Enrollment Shifts: Declining student enrollment reduces revenue. While staffing is adjusted where possible, fixed operational costs for bussing, utilities, and support specialists remain.
Funding to Support K-M Excellence
Operating levy revenue directly funds high-quality learning experiences for students, including:
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses including trades, agriculture, small engines, and autos
- Hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) project-based learning
- Academic student support services for learners facing difficulty
- Music and Fine Arts offerings
- Co-curricular activities that complement classroom education
What Will the Levy Cost Me?
The proposed operating levy applies to residential homesteads, apartments, commercial-industrial properties, and the house, garage, and first acre of agricultural land.
| Property Type | Estimated Market Value | Annual Tax Impact | Monthly Tax Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Homesteads, Apartments, & Commercial-Industrial Agricultural Land & Buildings (Only levied on house, garage, and 1 acre) |
$150,000 | $115 | $10 |
| $250,000 | $192 | $16 | |
| $300,000 | $231 | $19 | |
| $350,000 | $269 | $22 | |
| $450,000 | $346 | $29 | |
| $600,000 | $461 | $38 | |
| $750,000 | $576 | $48 |
What Will Be on the Ballot?
The board of Independent School District No. 204 (Kasson-Mantorville), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District's referendum revenue by $500 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2026 for taxes payable in 2027 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law.
Shall the new referendum authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 204 (Kasson-Mantorville), Minnesota, be approved?
[ ] YES [ ] NO
By Voting “Yes” On This Ballot Question, You Are Voting For A Property Tax Increase.
State Funding Formula Context
The basic general education formula has not kept pace with inflation.
Had state funding kept pace with inflation since 2003, the allowance per student in 2026 would be $8,901. Instead, the allowance is $7,481.
This creates a shortfall of $1,420 (or 19.0%) per student.
Voting & Public Meeting Information
Community Information Meetings
The school board and district administration invite community members to attend an informational session:
- Monday, September 21, 2026: 5:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. (Kasson-Mantorville High School - Forum Room, 101 16th St NE, Kasson)
- Tuesday, September 22, 2026: 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. (Kasson-Mantorville High School - Forum Room, 101 16th St NE, Kasson)
Early & Absentee Voting Details (Begins Sept 18)
To request an absentee ballot, visit www.mnvotes.gov. Completed ballots must be received no later than 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 3.
Dodge County Early Voting Location
Government Services Bldg, 721 N Main St., Mantorville (Mon–Fri, 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.)
Olmsted County Early Voting Location
Olmsted County Elections Office, 2122 Campus Dr SE, Suite 300, Rochester (Mon–Fri, 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.)
Election Day Polling Locations (Tuesday, Nov 3)
Polling hours are 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. unless noted with an asterisk (*10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.):
- *Ashland Township: Ashland Town Hall (18944 660th St, Dodge Center)
- Canisteo Township: Canisteo Town Hall (66968 250th Ave, Kasson)
- Kasson (North, Central, South): Kasson-Mantorville High School, South Gym (101 16th St NE, Kasson)
- Mantorville City: Mantorville City Hall (21 5th St E, Mantorville)
- Mantorville Township: Mantorville Town Hall (60126 240th Ave, Mantorville)
- Milton Township: Milton Town Hall (54368 250th Ave, West Concord)
- Vernon Township: Vernon Town Hall (73067 250th Ave, Hayfield)
- Wasioja Township: Wasioja Schoolhouse (21118 600th St, Dodge Center)