Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

Our district is committed to providing a high-quality education and strong support services for every student. However, state and federal mandates often determine how programs are delivered and funded — without providing the additional resources needed to carry them out.

Some of the largest unfunded or underfunded mandates include:

• Special Education: Each year, state and federal funding falls short by $1.2 million of what’s needed to serve all eligible students.

• English Learner Programs: In 2024–25, the district spent $3,750 more than it received in state aid to support English learners.

• MN READ Act: The new reading law required about $140,000 for curriculum (with only $40,000 in state funding) and $145,000 for teacher training (with less than $40,000 covered).

• Paid Family and Medical Leave: Starting in 2026, this new mandate is projected to increase district costs by over $40,000 per year.

• Unemployment Costs: In 2024–25, the district paid $92,000 for between-term/summer unemployment when state funding was exhausted.

• Transportation: State reimbursement does not fully cover the significant costs of busing students in our rural district.

• School Safety & Staff Training: Safety requirements and professional development are essential, but not fully funded.

• Testing & Reporting: State-mandated testing and compliance require staff time and technology, with no extra funding.

Every dollar spent on these mandates is a dollar that can’t go toward class sizes, electives, student support, or extracurriculars. This is why voter-approved local funding is so important for sustaining the quality of education in our schools.