2024 Capital Projects Technology Levy Renewal

2014 Tech Levy expires at the end of this school year

Thanks to the generosity of the community, in 2023-24 the levy provided $6.6 million in funding for technology, which has allowed Robbinsdale to remain competitive with other public school districts.

Funds used for student, staff, classroom, and infrastructure technology

Since the levy was passed in 2014, Robbinsdale has used the funds to provide each student and staff member with a device or laptop, upgrade classroom technology, and expand online learning, including the creation of Robbinsdale Virtual Academy (RVA).  Voters need to renew this capital levy for funding to continue.

How was the tech levy money spent over the last 10 years?  

Since 2014, the majority of the funds received from the levy have been spent on the following categories:

• Classroom Audio Visual - includes data projectors, teacher amplification systems, SMART board replacements

• Instructional Hardware - includes laptops or iPads for teachers, speciality labs

• Instructional Software Subscriptions - includes Seesaw, Schoology, supplemental learning materials like Kami, BrainPop, and ebooks

• Non-Instructional Hardware - includes Chromebooks for education assistants, laptops or desktops for support staff, data network infrastructure, data center and wi-fi access points

• Non-Instructional Software Subscriptions - includes Google, Microsoft, Skyward, Infinite Campus, and security software

• Student Devices - includes Chromebooks for students in grades 3-12 and  iPads for students in grades K-2

How will the Capital Projects Technology Levy Renewal Referendum benefit students?

Technology for Learning 

• Renewing the technology levy will allow Robbinsdale Area Schools to maintain and improve digital learning tools, technology, learning software, and support in and out of the classroom.

• In the classroom, that can mean maintaining and upgrading student and staff devices, or providing classrooms with cutting-edge tools that make learning more engaging.

• Outside the classroom, that can mean maintaining and enhancing critical infrastructure – such as network components – that boost reliable internet connectivity, which is critical for today’s learning environments.

Technology for Safer Schools 

All students and staff deserve to learn and work in a safe learning environment. Combining technology with site improvements increases the safety and security of school environments and enhances learning. 

• Renewing the technology levy will allow Robbinsdale Area Schools to invest in new, strategic safety improvements that make schools more secure. When students, staff and families feel safe and supported, teaching and learning are more effective.

• Safety investments could look like new, more secure building entrances, upgraded security cameras, and other building-wide security enhancements and infrastructure. 

Technology to Support Staff 

The levy will provide staff with effective and reliable technology and teaching tools. Efficient and effective operations keep Robbinsdale Area Schools competitive with other public schools. 

• Renewing the technology levy will allow Rdale to provide staff with high-functioning technology systems that enhance teaching and learning.

• A renewed technology levy will allow Rdale to maintain a standardized equipment replacement cycle, streamlining operations and increasing efficiency.

• Remaining technologically competitive is crucial to recruiting talented educators to join Rdale.

A Strong Commitment for Schools

Renewing the technology levy will not increase anyone’s tax rate, and is supported by the community.

• Rdale proposes to keep the tax rate the same, meaning there will be no increase to the tax rate approved by voters in 2014.

• The Rdale school community supports and believes in the district’s students and staff. Some 79 percent of people say the quality of education in Rdale is good or excellent, and 83 percent say student learning needs are mostly being met.

• Continued commitment to the technology levy is widely supported by the community – more than 83 percent of people support or strongly support its renewal.

Consequences

The reasonable consequences should the renewal fail:

• If the Capital Projects Technology Levy Renewal isn’t approved by voters, $7 million of technology expenses will have to shift to the general fund.

• Moving the district’s technology budget to the general fund will reduce funding for programs and staff, affecting student educational needs and supports. 

• Those reductions would be in addition to the $17.4 million cut for this school year.

Engaging community members about the levy

Robbinsdale Area Schools embarked on community engagement efforts in the spring of 2024 prior to proposing a referendum to be held on Nov. 5, 2024. 

The goal of these efforts was to: 

• Provide information that can help the school board determine whether to move forward with a referendum;
• Help determine how the district should prioritize referendum fund expenditures; and
• Solicit community feedback on the school board’s referendum proposal and input into how the district spends taxpayer dollars.

Staff, parents and residents took surveys and provided feedback on presentations

The effort included a statistically valid survey of 400 community members, a statistically valid survey of 400 parents/families, and an opt-in survey of 940 family members and district staff. Further engagement included approximately 20 presentations to staff, affinity groups, and the community in May and June, and a Financial Advisory Committee meeting in May.

Residents support renewal of the levy

Key findings from the research included these areas of opportunity:

• The community supports renewal of the capital technology levy.
• Parents and staff support spending levy funds on technology, safety and security.

Community input informed the language approved in August that will appear on the November 5 ballot.

The capital projects levy renewal will be tax-neutral for taxpayers:

• The tax rate of 4.207% will not change
• The amount of tax that property owners pay will fluctuate with the value of their property

Robbinsdale’s school taxes are competitive with similar school districts

What has the tech levy cost me?

The 2014 tech levy tax rate is 4.207% This past year, the owner of an average home (*valued at $322,600 by Hennepin County) paid $11 a month, or a total of $132 for their portion of the district's technology levy. 

*Average home value provided by Hennepin County

I don’t have kids in school. How does this levy benefit me?

According to a National Alliance of Business report, “The second most often cited reason for a business selecting a particular location is the quality of the schools.”

Good schools attract and retain families. A community that attracts families and businesses tends to have a stronger tax base, higher home values, and a tax burden that is spread more widely.

Preliminary Tax Impact Chart

*Tax impact chart illustrates only the tax changes related directly to the proposed Capital Projects Levy and does not include levies for other purposes.
**The estimated reduction in Residential Homestead properties is due to the increase in the Homestead Exclusion limits implemented for taxes payable in 2025.
***Tax impact estimates on Commercial/Industrial properties are shown for the City of Robbinsdale. Other municipalities within the District may differ due to the Twin Cities Fiscal Disparities program.

What is the impact of my vote?

If approved, the Technology for Learning, Safety and Support levy will provide:

• Technology for Learning – Renewing the technology levy keeps Rdale’s students competitive in a digital world. 

• Technology for Safer Schools – Safe and secure school environments enhance learning. 

• Technology to Support Staff – When staff have effective and reliable technology and teaching tools, they can better meet the learning needs of our students. 

If not approved

• If the Capital Projects Technology Levy Renewal isn’t approved by voters, it will require shifting $7 million of current technology expenses to the general fund.

• Moving the district’s technology budget to the general fund will reduce funding for programs and staff, which impacts our student’s educational needs and supports. 

• Those reductions would be in addition to the $17.4 million that was reduced this school year.

What’s the difference between an operating levy and a capital projects levy? 

With an operating levy, the revenue is used for general operation of the district. Revenue CANNOT be used for building construction or renovation.

With a capital projects levy, there is a limited set of eligible purposes including constructing, repairing and improving school buildings, technology, and the purchase of vehicles. Revenue CANNOT be used for general operation of the district.

How was tech levy revenue spent over the last 10 years? 

Since 2014, the money raised has provided funds to increase technology access for students and staff through the acquisition, installation, replacement, support, and maintenance of software, applications, digital curriculum and resources, mobile devices, improved technology, technology systems, networks, and infrastructure, and related training.

The majority of the funds received from the levy were spent on the following categories:

• Classroom Audio Visual 
• Instructional Hardware 
• Instructional Software Subscriptions
• Non-Instructional Hardware
• Non-Instructional Software Subscriptions
• Student Devices

What are the tax impacts to the homeowner?

The 2014 tech levy tax rate is 4.207% This past year, the owner of an average home, which is valued at $322,600* paid $11 a month, or a total of $132 for their portion of the district's technology levy.   *Average home value provided by Hennepin County

For the capital projects technology levy, is my home taxed at 4.207% of my property value?

The tax rate is “4.207% times the net tax capacity of the school district”, which means that you are taxed not on the market value of your property but on the net tax capacity, a calculation made by Hennepin County. Please see the tax impact table in the Tax Impact section for some examples. 

How can it be that the technology levy tax rate does not go up, but my tax bill has increased?

If your taxes have increased, it is not because the rate has increased - it stays the same. If the value of your home increased, your tax bill would increase accordingly.

I’m concerned about my kids having too much screen time. How does the school address this?

Technology and devices have become essential for learning. The purpose for technology in the classroom is different from technology usage for recreation. Classroom materials and even textbooks are now available on computers and tablets.

How do schools impact the community?

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, there is a definite correlation between school expenditures and home values in any given neighborhood. A report titled, “Using Market Valuation to Assess Public School Spending,” found that for every dollar spent on public schools in a community, home values increased $20. These findings indicate that additional school expenditures may benefit everyone in the community, whether or not those residents actually have children in the local public school system.

I don't have kids in school. Why should I care about this?

Good schools are important to our neighbors who own a business or work at area companies, as well as to families considering a move to our community. Strong schools help support a strong and vibrant community. 

Can I deduct the taxes paid on my State and Federal Income Taxes?

If you itemize deductions for federal income taxes, you may deduct all property taxes paid.

Does the funding that Robbinsdale received from the federal government to address the COVID-19 pandemic affect the levy? 

Robbinsdale Area Schools used Federal COVID funding to preserve critical services for students during the pandemic and accelerate learning recovery afterward. All COVID funds have been allocated and, according to Federal law, must be expended by September, 2024. As a result, those funds are not a resource for continuing support for the mission of RAS.

Will Robbinsdale be installing metal detectors or bag screening devices?

No, these are not being considered at this time.

Why not have separate levies/referendum questions - one for technology and one for building safety and security?

Extending the levy provides the district with enough revenue to meet both technology needs and some additional purposes within the statutory limits of how capital levy revenue can be used. The district has needs in the area of building safety and security that are allowable. We chose 1) to stay with one ballot question, and 2) to renew the current rate instead of asking for additional funding to simplify the request and to not ask taxpayers for additional funds. 

How will the district show accountability and transparency in the use of referendum funds?

The district is committed to accountability and transparency. We plan to provide updates on how referendum dollars are spent in our ongoing communications plan, utilizing all of the communications channels available to us, including our website, social media, e-newsletters, direct mail to all residences, and traditional media. We are extremely thankful for the support shown by the community in approval of referendums over many decades. We want community members to see how their dollars are invested in student learning.

Where can I get more information about public education finance and policy?

The Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) has an excellent Election Guide for 2024. It contains a vast amount of background information on the situation for public schools today and how we got here. Significant legislation was passed in 2023 that imposed new requirements on public schools and provided new revenue. To provide context, AMSD provides line graphs that show state revenue increases over time compared to inflation. Since all members of the Minnesota House of Representatives are up for election this year, the guide also provides:

• An overview of the education funding system and outlines recent legislative action 
• Information and resources to evaluate candidates’ positions on education issues 
• Sample questions to pose to candidates to find out where they stand on important issues and policies

Be a voter! Vote Tues., Nov. 5.

To vote you must be:

• A U.S. citizen
• At least 18 years old on Election Day (16 and 17 year-olds can pre-register)
• A resident of Minnesota for 20 days
• Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
• Not under a court order that revokes your right to vote

Register to vote

It's quick and easy! To register online you will need:

• Your Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota identification card number, or the last four numbers of your Social Security number
• An email address

You will need to re-register if your name or address changes.

Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's website to learn more about registering to vote, and how to vote.

Vote early (absentee)

In Minnesota, you can vote early with an absentee ballot starting 46 days before Election Day. Request an absentee ballot online. More information can be found on the links below:

• Vote early by mail
• Vote early in person
• Vote from military or abroad
• Track your absentee ballot

Vote Early in Person
You can vote early with an absentee ballot at your local elections office. Some cities and towns also offer in-person absentee voting. If you are not registered, you can do so in person if you show proof of residence.

General Election
First day to vote early in person: Friday, September 20
Last day to vote early in person: Monday, November 4

Voting locations before election day in Robbinsdale Area Schools 
Brooklyn Center City Hall*, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center MN 55430, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Brooklyn Park Council Chambers*, 5200 85th Ave N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55443, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Crystal City Hall*, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN 55422, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Golden Valley City Hall*, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley MN 55427, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
New Hope City Hall*, 4401 Xylon Ave N, New Hope MN 55428, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Plymouth City Hall*, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, Plymouth, MN 55447, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Robbinsdale City Hall*, 4100 Lakeview Ave. N. Robbinsdale, MN 55422, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 

(Cities marked with an asterisk (*) will only serve residents of that city/town.)

Voting on Election Day - Tuesday, November 5
PollFinder find out where your election day voting location is. In state and federal elections, polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
 

Where can I get more information about public education finance and policy?

The Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) has an excellent Election Guide for 2024. It contains a vast amount of background information on the situation for public schools today and how we got here. Significant legislation was passed in 2023 that imposed new requirements on public schools and provided new revenue. To provide context, AMSD provides line graphs that show state revenue increases over time compared to inflation. Since all members of the Minnesota House of Representatives are up for election this year, the guide also provides:

• An overview of the education funding system and outlines recent legislative action 
• Information and resources to evaluate candidates’ positions on education issues 
• Sample questions to pose to candidates to find out where they stand on important issues and policies

2024 Capital Projects Technology Levy Renewal Referendum Ballot Question

SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT QUESTION 1

APPROVAL OF RENEWED CAPITAL PROJECT LEVY AUTHORIZATION

The School Board of Independent School District No. 281 (Robbinsdale Area Schools) has proposed the renewal of an existing capital project levy authorization expiring after taxes payable in 2024, in the maximum amount of 4.207% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The money raised by this authorization will continue to provide funds to increase technology access for students and staff through the acquisition, installation, replacement, support, and maintenance of software, applications, digital curriculum and resources, one to one devices, improved technology, technology systems, networks, and infrastructure, and will also provide funds for capital improvements for safety and security, including cameras, and safety-related building modifications. The proposed tax rate is not being increased from the previous year’s rate. The proposed renewal of the expiring capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $6,995,074 for taxes payable in 2025, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten (10) years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $69,950,740. The projects to be funded have received a positive review and comment from the Commissioner of Education. 

Shall the renewal of the expiring capital project levy authorization proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 281 (Robbinsdale Area Schools) be approved? 

___ Yes

___ No

BY VOTING “YES” ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING TO RENEW AN EXISTING CAPITAL PROJECTS REFERENDUM THAT IS SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE.

What's the difference between bonds, levies and a referendum?

Understanding the language used when it comes to education finance isn’t simple.

As a result, members of our Rdale school community often ask what the difference between things like levies, bonds and referendums are, since the words are often used interchangeably.

Referendum
A referendum is the election where a levy or a bond is put on the ballot for voters to consider. 

Levies
A levy, or levies, are property taxes that provide support for LEARNING, and fund the day-to-day educational operations of a school district. Levies almost always provide funding for staff, teaching and learning materials, and technology tools and services. Levies typically have a 10-year life span. 

Bonds
A bond, or bonds, provide funds for BUILDINGS, such as annual maintenance, major renovations or additions, or new schools. Usually bonds finance the kind of larger-cost projects that can’t be supported with the district’s facilities maintenance fund. Bonds typically have a 20-year life span.

Levies and bonds are independent of one another and must be utilized for their designated purpose.

This year
For example, in 2024, Rdale will ask voters to approve the extension of a capital project levy at the same rate that was first approved in 2014.  It will continue to provide funding for technology, and will also provide support for safety and security upgrades in our schools across the district. Residents would vote yes or no on extending this levy in a Nov. 5 referendum.