2025 Operating Levy Information

Six photos of students and staff in a row surrounded by blue lines

On November 4, voters in the Owatonna Public Schools district considered an operating levy increase of $700 per student (approximately $3.7 million annually). The measure was not approved. We appreciate everyone who took the time to vote and to engage in the process.

Election Results:

Yes: 38.15%
No: 61.85%
Total ballots cast: 7,989

Election results are unofficial until certified by the School Board on Monday, November 10, 2025.

What this means for our students, staff and programs:
Because the additional local funding will not be available as proposed, OPS will need to proceed with a budget balancing process for the 2026-27 school year. While we will do everything possible to protect classroom instruction and student opportunities, possible impacts include:

Increased class sizes across grade levels
Reductions in some support services
Possible cuts or reductions in elective courses, fine arts, athletics and co-curricular programs
Delayed or cancelled growth of programs

Our Commitment to You:

We remain committed to the success of all our students, the support of our staff and to sustaining the strong reputation of Owatonna Public Schools. We ask for your continued engagement, understanding and partnership as we work through this challenging moment together.

Special Election: November 4, 2025

At its June 16 meeting, the Owatonna School Board voted unanimously to hold a special election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Voters will be asked to consider an operating levy increase of $700 per student to help sustain the quality education Owatonna Public Schools is known for.

Voting information

How can I learn more?

Watch the presentation above with voiceover by Superintendent Tammy Champa above.

Eight public information sessions were held. Watch a presentation that was livestreamed on Owatonna Live.

Friday, September 26 at 7:00 am
Friday, September 26 at 8:00 am
Tuesday, September 30 at 7:00 pm
Wednesday, October 15 at 12:00 noon
Monday, October 20 at 7:00 pm
Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, October 26 at 4:00 pm
Tuesday, October 28 at 6:00 pm

Levy FAQs

Why a Levy Request?

Owatonna Public Schools is committed to strong financial stewardship and high-quality education. The Board’s decision to bring forward this request is based on a long-term review of financial projections and a desire to protect opportunities for students.

The plan reflects a shared approach to funding:

The district is making budget reductions, including administrative and instructional positions with retirements that will not be replaced and reductions in elementary, special education, and secondary teaching areas.
At the same time, the community is being asked to increase support through a levy.

If approved, the estimated tax impact would be about $23 per month on a home valued at $275,000 or $25 per month on a home valued at $300,000.

Use the tax calculator to estimate the tax impact on your home.

tax calculator

How Would the Levy Help?

If passed, the levy would generate approximately $3,700,000 per year. Revenue from the proposed levy would be used to:

Maintain reasonable class sizes
Retain high-quality teachers and staff
Sustain Career Pathways programs
Support strong fine arts, athletics, and co-curricular opportunities

MN School Funding Video

Why Now?

State and federal funding shortfalls have created growing financial pressure:

Chart showing the difference between pupil funding with and without inflation adjustment

State aid isn’t keeping up with inflation. If it had, Owatonna would receive $1,470 more per student—a difference of about $7.3 million annually. No additional local levy would be needed.
Unfunded mandates from state and federal governments require districts to provide services without additional funding, shifting the burden to local taxpayers.

A table comparing the operating levy amounts of Big 9 school districts

Owatonna’s operating levy is one of the lowest in the Big 9 Conference, at $556 per student, compared to:
- Faribault: $1,006
- Northfield: $2,184

This chart also demonstrates current operating levies in the Big 9 Conference