KIMBALL AREA SCHOOLS
November 2026 Referendum

Kimball Area Schools has built something special. Families value the strong education our students receive, the dedicated staff who support them, and schools where students get the attention and resources they need to succeed. We are committed to keeping our schools safe, modern and competitive, providing every student the chance to succeed.

Financial pressure is threatening what makes Kimball Area Schools special.

Our district has worked hard to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. In fact, we have not had a tax increase in 10 years, and the 2022 bond levy project came in on time and under budget! Despite those efforts, we are now facing a real challenge. State funding has not kept pace with our rising costs, a problem many districts in Minnesota are facing. Technology, and the systems and investments to keep it operational and protected, is no longer an optional expense in modern school environments.

Over the last decade, we have looked for ways to manage expenses, stretch resources and avoid passing additional costs on to taxpayers. But we've reached a point where doing nothing would mean difficult choices that would impact learning, including reducing teachers and staff, scaling back programs and services, or increasing class sizes to 30 or 35 students. That's why Kimball Area Schools is asking voters to consider referendum this fall.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, district residents will have the opportunity vote on whether to authorize a $661,605 capital projects levy to provide needed funding that will allow us to keep our schools safe, modern and competitive.

What the Levy Would Fund

We need focused funding to protect quality education and keep Kimball Area Schools competitive.

That is why we are asking district voters to consider a $661,605 per year capital projects levy that would fund our technology-related costs including:

  • Building and security safety systems

  • Digital curriculum and learning tools

  • Cybersecurity and cyber insurance

  • Technology devices and networks

  • IT systems, infrastructure and staff

  • Assessment tools that help teachers know if students are learning what they need to learn

These are fixed costs that have to be paid and are currently drawing funds away from our regular budget.

Here’s How This Helps Keep Our Schools Strong

By shifting technology costs to a dedicated levy, we protect our regular school budget for the things families care most about including:

  • Class sizes that allow for personalized support

  • Student support staff including social workers, the school resource officer, teachers and support staff

  • Career and technical education programs

  • College credit options

  • Extracurriculars like sports, theater, robotics, and performing arts

Cost and Tax Impact

Kimball Area Schools is asking for the amount of funding needed to balance the budget and protect what we have. If approved by district voters this November, the levy would provide $661,605 annually for the next 10 years.

  • We did the math on what we are spending on our technology and cybersecurity investments, insurance and maintenance, and this is what it costs to fund technology in the modern era. This isn't padding. This is what we actually need to spend to keep our schools safe, secure, and competitive.

  • We are working with a financial advisor to create a tax calculator that will allow you to see how the levy would impact you individually should voters approve the capital projects levy this fall. For now, please reference the information below to gain a rough idea.

Monthly and Annual Tax Increase by Estimated Home Value

A home valued at $250,000 would have an estimated tax increase of $11 per month ($132/year).

A home valued at $350,000 would have an estimated tax increase of $16.34 per month ($196/year).

A home valued at $400,000 would have an estimated tax increase of $19 per month ($228/year).

Make Your Voice Heard

This is an important community decision that will shape the future of our schools and community. District residents will have the final say when they vote on or before November 3. There are three ways cast your ballot:

  • Absentee voting (in person or via mail) is available starting Friday, September 18.

  • Early in-person voting begins Friday, October 16.

  • Vote on Election Day (Tuesday, November 3) at your regular polling location.

Connect With Us

Have questions? Reach out to us using the connect for below.

Stay tuned for additional information that will be sent home from the district as well as an expanded website providing additional information on our district’s needs, the plan to address them, the cost and tax impact, and how to make your voice heard and cast your vote this November.