“We’re going to see an increase in class sizes, and we would also see a reduction in the amount of programs that we can offer,” said Fargo Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner.
Voters in Fargo will decide a question on the midterm ballot that could directly affect class sizes and extracurricular offerings across the Fargo Public School District 1, kvrr.com reported.
Mill Levy Extension Avoids Tax Increases
The ballot asks voters to approve a general fund excess mill levy for the district.
School officials are not asking to increase their overall budget. Instead, they want to maintain the current tax rate as the existing levy approaches its scheduled expiration in December of next year.
Decades-Old Funding Stream Faces Expiration
The current mill levy has been in place since 2002.
If voters choose to approve the measure, the funding stream will be extended.
Failed Measure Could Force Cuts to Extra-Curriculars
If the measure fails to pass, the district will face financial pressure to cut costs in the following years. Fargo Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner outlined the practical consequences of a defeat.
“And we’d have to take a deep dive at our co-curriculars and extra-curriculars and see which ones we can continue to provide for our families and our learners.”
Operating Budgets Hang in the Balance
The outcome of the vote will determine how the district manages its operating budget moving forward without changing the existing tax burden for local property owners.
The election results will dictate the funding and programs for Fargo public schools as the current levy deadline approaches.
