School Referendum 2026
Prior Lake-Savage schools have already cut $12 million over the last two years. Class sizes have already gone up — and this levy won't bring them back down. It's about stopping things from getting worse.
Our schools get $3,094 less per student than the state average. This November, we get to decide what happens next.
We're Yes for Laker Schools — a group of neighbors who believe strong schools make Prior Lake and Savage a place families want to call home. Follow along as we share the facts.
This November 3rd, Prior Lake and Savage voters decide the future of our local schools. Here's why we're voting yes.
Already Cut to the Bone
Our schools already did their part.
Since 2024, Laker Schools have cut $8.1 million from the budget — with another $4.15 million in cuts this year. That's over $12 million in reductions already, before this vote even happens.
Right now, Prior Lake-Savage schools receive $3,094 less per student than the Minnesota state average. This isn't a first ask. It's what's left after years of doing more with less.
Without a yes vote, roughly $3 million more in cuts are expected for the 2027–28 school year — on top of everything already trimmed.
Get What You Pay For
Protect the basics before it's too late.
Class sizes have already grown in recent years — and this levy won't bring them back down. What it does is stop things from getting worse, by protecting the staffing and programs still standing.
Electives and extras are already being cut. Programs that connect our kids to the community — like the mentorship program that sent 20+ high schoolers into elementary classrooms every week — are already gone. Without this levy, core classroom programs are next.
A yes vote isn't about adding more. It's about keeping what our kids have already earned.
Strong Schools, Strong Community
This isn't just about the classroom — it's about Prior Lake and Savage.
Strong schools support home values, attract families, and make this the kind of community people choose to put down roots in.
The nurses, firefighters, police officers, and teachers who serve Prior Lake and Savage today were Laker Schools students. When we invest in our schools, we're investing in the people who will run this community tomorrow.
What's on the Ballot
Two questions, one goal: keeping Laker Schools strong.
Question 1 replaces the current operating levy ($623.97 per student) with $1,740.97 per student, funding day-to-day classroom operations for the next 10 years.
Question 2 — which only takes effect if Question 1 passes — funds school safety and security, technology, building maintenance, and instructional materials.
Whats on the ballot?
The School Board of Independent School District No. 719, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, will hold a referendum on November 3, 2026, asking voters to approve two questions.
Question 1 proposes to revoke the school district’s existing referendum revenue authorization of $623.97 per pupil and to replace that authorization with a new authorization of $1,740.97 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years commencing with taxes payable in 2027, and increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2028, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law.
Question 2 proposes a capital project levy authorization of 3.427% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The additional revenue from the proposed authorization will be used to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities; safety and security improvements; deferred maintenance and utility service costs; the acquisition and maintenance of software, technology, and technology systems, and to pay the costs of technology-related personnel and training; the purchase and replacement of school-related transportation vehicles; the acquisition of curriculum, textbooks, and materials; and other operating capital revenue purposes. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $3,800,000 for taxes payable in 2028, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $38,000,000. The projects to be funded have received a positive Review and Comment from the Commissioner of Education.
Question 2 is contingent on the passage of Question 1, meaning it can only pass if Question 1 passes.
Strong Schools • Strong Community • Strong Future •