Deer River Schools tax increases fail at ballot

Deer River Schools Logo

ITASCA COUNTY, Min. – Voters in the Deer River School District (ISD #317) rejected two tax increases.

Question #1 failed with a 63% to 37% margin.

Question #1  asked, “The school board of Independent School District No. 317 (Deer River Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 3.945% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The money raised from the capital project levy authorization will provide funds for school district technology, including technology systems related to safety and security, classroom and building technology, digital curriculum, support and maintenance of software, software licenses, computers, technology infrastructure and network improvements, device replacement, and to pay the costs of technology related personnel and training. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $500,000 for taxes payable in 2026, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten years. The estimated total costs of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $5,000,000. Shall the capital project levy proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 317 be approved?”

Question #2 also failed.  This one with a similar 63% to 37% margin.

Question #2 asked, “The school board of Independent School District No. 317 (Deer River Schools) has also proposed to increase its general education revenue by $300 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years beginning with taxes payable in 2026, and increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2027, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 317 be approved?”