by David Hill
Editor

Over 675 responses to a recent survey about a proposed operating levy for Thief River Falls schools indicates there’s a lot of interest, but members of the Committee Referendum Committee are concerned that the message isn’t reaching enough voters.

Studies after last year’s failed levy referendum attempt indicated that not very many parents of school-aged children voted. The recently concluded non-scientific poll did reach those voters. A total of 66% of respondents were parents of school-aged children.

Nevertheless, members of the committee are concerned because school finance in Minnesota is extremely complex, and it’s hard to boil it all down to a clear and concise explanation or message.

For fiscal year 2024-25, the District has cut $1.24 million, which included 11 staff members. If this referendum doesn’t pass, the District will have to cut another $1.75 million and its unrestricted reserves will be down to less than 7.5%. (Minnesota recommends that a healthy reserve of 15%, and Districts that drop below 2.5% are deemed to be in Statutory Operating Debt and the state steps in to determine what gets cut.)

A lot is at stake – valued staff members, programs and local control.

Courtney Skjerven, a teacher at Challenger Elementary School, noted that most of the people attending the Levy Referendum Committee meeting Monday, July 29, were District staff. He said the District should reach out to specific groups, such as the elderly, and parents and others who may feel disconnected. He was an organizer for the student- led “Save a Classroom” at CES, which successfully raised over $70,000 to save a classroom teaching position.

Supt. Chris Mills had noted in a presentation that night that only 7% of respondents to that survey were over the age of 65.

Some members of the committee suggested that a presentation be made during the lunch hour at the Heritage Community Center.

The parent of two school-aged children who are nearing their end of public education in the District, said an effort needs to be made to reach parents of children under the age of 5. “They will be the most affected,” she said. “They will be the ones to pay the price.”

It was suggested that the District conduct a meeting for parents of school-aged children at Challenger Elementary School and provide daycare for the meeting.

Skjerven also encouraged the District to talk about the voting process. Some people, he said, are discouraged because they think it’s too difficult to register to vote. Registering to vote in Minnesota can be done at polling places.

According to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office, to vote, an individual must be:
• A U.S. citizen
• At least 18 years old on Election Day (16 & 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

To register at the polling place on Election Day, bring one proof of residence listed below:
• ID with current name and address
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID; or a receipt for any of these.
• Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature.