Wadena-Deer Creek seeks OK for operating levy

During the past three years, the Wadena-Deer Creek School District has cut $2.1 million from its approximately $9 million annual budget, including a $763,749 reduction this year alone to offset financial losses due to declining enrollment.

Superintendent Virginia Dahlstrom, who was hired a year ago, has volunteered to have her salary frozen for the remaining part of her three-year contract to help the district save money.

"We have trimmed," said Dahlstrom. "We have really streamlined. You get to the point where it's the core programs that go. We are to the point where it'll be core programs that will be cut, more music courses, advanced math and science."

On Nov. 3, the district will ask taxpayers to support an operating levy referendum so the district can add back curriculum and support materials, as well as technology, budgetary items that have continued to be cut in recent years. The district is projecting declining enrollment for the next two years, followed by stabilized enrollment, said Dahlstrom.

District taxpayers will have two questions on the ballot Nov. 3. The first question will ask to revoke the existing $101.17 per pupil levy, which expires in 2011, replacing it with a $650 operating levy to be used to fund the "basics" - math, reading and science curriculum. The second question asks for an additional $150 per pupil, or a total $800 per pupil levy. The $150 per pupil would provide additional money for technology to support the basic curriculum needs covered by passage of the first question. Note that the first question must pass in order for the second question to pass.

These levy figures do not represent the actual amount that taxpayers will be asked to pay through increased taxes.

Unlike the Brainerd School District, the Wadena-Deer Creek School District qualifies for state equalization aid as long as voters agree to invest some of their own tax dollars, according to Dahlstrom. If taxpayers approve the $800 per pupil levy referendum, state equalization aid will pay for 44 percent, or $345,003, and 56 percent, or $601,344, will come from local sources.

For example, a $50,000 property is currently paying $10.52 annually for the existing levy and would pay $67.61 annually if the first question passes and $80.11 if both questions pass. A $100,000 property, now paying $21.04 annually for the existing levy, will pay $135.21 annually if the first question passes and $160.22 if both questions pass. A tax calculator is provided at the school district's Web site, www.wdc2155.k12.mn.us, for those who would like to find out how their home or property would be affected by the proposed levy increase.

In addition, many property taxpayers are eligible for a Minnesota Property Tax Refund, resulting in an increased refund. Those who make $18,000 a year would see a refund of $88, or the net cost to the taxpayer would be $56. Those who make $30,000 would receive a $75 increased refund at a net cost of $69, according to the district.

At one point two years ago, before Dahlstrom was hired, the district was down to only $2,000 in its reserves, coming close to going into Statutory Operating Debt, or SOD. Since Dahlstrom has been superintendent, the school board has made many cuts, bringing that fund back up to about $250,000. But the many cuts have meant a lack of materials to keep up with state-mandated testing for math, science and reading, said Dahlstrom.

"With the latest cuts I think the community is understanding that we need this," Dahlstrom explained. "Our economy is tough for everyone but we definitely need this referendum to pass."

Dahlstrom noted that of the 340 school districts in Minnesota, 309 currently have school operating levies that average $822 per pupil, still above what the district is asking for with both ballot questions.

Community members who wish to learn more about the referendum may attend one of two upcoming meetings. A presentation will be provided and questions will be answered. The meetings are planned for 7 p.m. Thursday at the Bluffton Community Center and 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at the W-DC High School Commons Area. Dahlstrom said the district also has been meeting with various civic and other organizations as well.

Absentee ballots are available at the Wadena-Deer Creek District office, 520 Colfax Ave. S.W. or on the district's Web site.

For more information, contact the district office at (218) 632-2155.

JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.