Voters approve replacement levy and technology levy

Voters in the Stillwater Area Public School District approved both levy questions on the ballot - one to renew and increase an expiring operating levy and the second to provide the district’s first-ever technology levy.

Election results are unofficial until canvassed at a special board meeting on Nov. 9.

• 56.45% of voters approved a replacement levy. This levy will renew the expiring levy and provide additional revenue to help stabilize the budget; retain teachers and support staff; continue to support academic achievement for all students; maintain existing programs and services; and minimize future budget cuts.  The levy will generate about $14.7 million per year for the next 10 years.
• 51.54% of voters approved the district’s first-ever technology levy. This levy will support anytime, anywhere learning by providing each student with a device to use at school or home. It will also allow for the replacement of out-of-date technology in classrooms and help pay for technology support staff. The tech levy will generate about $4.7 million per year over the next 10 years and these funds will only be available for technology expenses.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” said Superintendent Malinda Lansfeldt. “The community has placed a tremendous amount of trust in district staff and has clearly shown its commitment to the students in our schools. We are so grateful. Your investment will allow us to maintain quality learning for our students and continue to offer the opportunities our community has come to expect for their kids.”

Additional information on the referendum is available at stillwaterschools.org/levy2021.

School Board Election

Voters also elected Pete Kelzenberg to fill a one-year seat on the school board. He will replace Liz Weisberg, who resigned from the board earlier this year. Kelzenberg will be sworn into office on Nov. 18, 2021.