On November 3, 2026, voters in the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District will see two school funding questions on the ballot: an operating levy and a capital projects levy.
These questions will have a meaningful impact on the district's finances, schools, staff, and students over the coming years. We encourage families and community members to learn what is being proposed, understand the costs, and make an informed decision before voting.
Where PLSAS Finances Stand Today
The district's existing operating levy is also one of the lowest in the state and the lowest in the surrounding area.
PLSAS has already made significant reductions to address its financial challenges. Since 2024, the district reports making $12.25 million in budget reductions, including staffing reductions, increased class sizes, fewer secondary electives, reduced technology spending, closure of the Twin Oaks Middle School pool, elimination of Laker Online, and school consolidation.
The district's finances are independently audited each year.
Despite those reductions, the district projects that additional cuts will be necessary without new revenue. PLSAS reports that it has used approximately $5 million from its fund balance since 2019-20 to help balance its budgets. The district says continued reductions and use of reserves could eventually result in Statutory Operating Debt.
What's on the Ballot?
Question 1: Operating Levy
The first question would replace the district's existing operating levy of $623.97 per student with $1,740.97 per student for 10 years beginning with the 2027-28 school year.
Operating levy dollars support the day-to-day operation of schools, including teachers and support staff, classroom learning, programs, curriculum, and other operating expenses.
Question 2: Capital Projects Levy
The second question would raise approximately $3.8 million per year for 10 years, beginning in the 2028-29 school year. It would provide dedicated funding for longer-term needs including school safety and security, technology infrastructure, curriculum and textbooks, facility upkeep, and playground maintenance.
The district has identified several specific safety improvements that could be funded through the levy, including a secure student entrance at Prior Lake High School, security window film at all schools, and expanded surveillance cameras and equipment.
Question 2 would also change how some existing expenses are paid. Technology staff and equipment are currently funded in part through the district's general operating fund, the same broader funding source used for day-to-day school operations and student learning.
The district describes the capital projects levy as a way to create dedicated funding for these infrastructure and safety needs while allowing operating dollars to stretch further.
A decrease in the district's existing debt-service levy would offset the initial tax impact of Question 2. The capital projects levy would only take effect if both Question 1 and Question 2 pass.
Learn More Before November 3
There's considerably more to the referendum than we can fit here, including detailed financial information, proposed uses of the funding, tax estimates, frequently asked questions, and explanations of what happens under different election outcomes.
The district has assembled its referendum information, financial details, FAQs, and tax information in one place:
Learn about the 2026 PLSAS Referendum:
https://www.plsas.org/referendum-2026
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026