Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about our schools’ challenges:
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Our district is facing a growing budget shortfall due to limited state funding that hasn’t kept up with the rising cost of education and inflation.
Following unsuccessful referendums in 2023 and 2024, our district was forced to make budget cuts to manage our finances. But cuts don’t solve the problem. In the long run, they take away from the quality education our students receive.
That’s why we’re asking voters to again consider an operating levy referendum this fall — to stabilize our finances and avoid even deeper cuts in the years ahead that will directly impact student learning.
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Our district has a $1 million budget deficit that is projected to grow to $1.5 million over the next 5 years without new funding. Like many districts, we’ve faced increasing financial pressure for nearly a decade due to state funding lagging behind the rising cost of education, inflation, and costly government mandates.
But unlike 70% of Minnesota school districts, Crosby-Ironton does not have a voter-approved operating levy to help fund day-to-day operations. We’ve already made more than $1 million in cuts over the last two years — reducing our teachers and staff, programs, extracurriculars, and student support services.
Without additional funding, we cannot sustain the excellent education our community expects and our students deserve. To learn more, visit our Challenges page.
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Yes. Unlike Crosby-Ironton Schools, nearly 70% of school districts across Minnesota rely on funding from local, voter-approved operating levies to bridge the gap created by limited state funding.
While the state of Minnesota provides the majority of funding for local schools, this support is not enough for many districts to cover the rising costs of student services, educational programming, teachers and staff, technology, and other operational needs.
Questions about the proposed plan:
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On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, voters in our district will consider an operating levy that would provide $1.5 million ($1,521 per pupil) annually over the next 10 years to stabilize our budget and protect core classroom learning and staffing.
If approved by voters, the proposed levy would allow us to continue providing a high-quality, well-rounded education to our students.
To learn more about the plan, visit the Plan Page.
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An operating levy is a local, voter-approved property tax that provides additional funding for the day-to-day costs of running a school district, such as:
Teacher and staff salaries
Classroom supplies and activities
Student support services
Academic programs and electives
Routine building maintenance and utilities
Implementation of state mandates
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An operating levy is like paying your monthly bills—groceries, electricity, water, internet, and other day-to-day expenses that keep your household running. In a school district, that’s paying teachers and staff, classroom supplies, student services, and general operational costs. It’s the money needed to operate the school every year.
A bond levy is like taking out a mortgage or loan to renovate or build your home—a one-time investment to fix the roof, build an addition, or replace outdated systems. For schools, that means building or renovating facilities or completing other major construction, not day-to-day expenses.
On November 4, 2025, district voters will decide on an operating levy that would provide $1,521 per student — or $1.5 million annually — for 10 years to stabilize the budget, keep our talented teachers and staff, and protect classroom learning.
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Yes. In 2023 and 2024, voters narrowly rejected proposals for an operating levy. As a result, we made the difficult decision to cut $1 million to offset budget deficits.
We currently face a $1 million deficit, which is expected to grow to $1.5 million in the next five years without new funding.
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If approved by voters this November, the proposed operating levy would:
Keep class sizes from growing.
Maintain a variety of academic and elective offerings.
Continue extracurricular programs that develop leadership and teamwork.
Retain teachers and support staff who know and care about our students.
Provide stability so educators can focus on instruction instead of responding to constant cuts.
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On August 25, 2025, the Crosby-Ironton School Board approved a plan to make additional budget reductions if the referendum is not approved. This plan includes almost $1 million in cuts that would significantly impact students through reductions in programs, staffing, and services. These reductions include cutting all student sports and extracurricular activities, reducing staff and student support services, and suspending all instructional supply purchases.
Learn more about these proposed reductions on our Plan Page.
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Great schools benefit everyone who calls Crosby-Ironton home. A strong school district helps attract families, supports local businesses, improves property values, and strengthens the overall quality of life.
When schools lose great teachers and programs, it doesn’t just hurt students — it impacts the whole community. When families see fewer opportunities in our schools, they may choose to live somewhere else, taking with them their investments in the local economy.
Questions about the tax impact:
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If approved by voters, the tax impact on a $400,000 home (about the district median) would be about $26 per month starting in 2026.
Visit the Cost Page to calculate your specific tax impact.
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No. If voters approve the referendum this November, the operating levy would be in place for 10 years.
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Yes. Minnesota offers multiple other tax credits and deferrals that can reduce the tax impact of an approved referendum. These credits and deferrals are subject to additional qualifications based on age, income, and tax burden. Find more information on these programs here.
Questions about voting:
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Early voting will begin on Friday, September 19.
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Yes. Early voting begins Friday, September 19, and runs through Monday, November 3.
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Early voting via absentee ballot will be available at the Crow Wing County Historical Courthouse (located at 326 Laurel Street in Brainerd) on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting Friday, September 19, through Monday, November 3.
The County Elections office at the Courthouse will be open additional hours for in-person early voting:
Saturday, November 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, November 3, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Yes. You can request an absentee ballot from the Crow Wing County Election Office. Completed ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on Election Day.
To learn more, visit our Vote Page.
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Residents can vote at their respective combined polling locations between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4. You can find your polling location using the Secretary of State’s poll finder.
Note that this special election has only four combined polling places. These are likely different from where you normally vote in a General Election.
Vote at Crosby City Hall if you are a resident of the City of Crosby, the City of Cuyuna, Irondale Township, the City of Riverton, the City of Ironton, Oak Lawn Township, Rabbit Lake Township, the City of Trommald or Wolford Township.
Vote at Deerwood Town Hall if you are a resident of Bay Lake Township, the City of Deerwood, Deerwood Township, Nokay Lake Township or Farm Island Township in Aitkin.
Vote at Emily City Hall if you are a resident of the City of Crosslake, the City of Emily, Fairfield Township, Little Pine Township, Perry Lake Township or Ross Lake Township.
Vote at Mission Town Hall if you are a resident of Center Township, Lake Edward Township, Mission Township or Pelican Township.
Note: Residents living in precincts that are normally mail ballot precincts will have to vote in person on November 4 or by using early in person or absentee voting following the instructions above.