The school board of Independent School District No. 2125, Triton Public Schools, will hold a capital project levy referendum on November 4, 2025, asking voters to approve one question.
Question 1 proposes a capital project levy authorization of 3.236% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The money raised by the capital project levy authorization will provide funds for the acquisition, installation, replacement, support and maintenance of software and devices, improved technology, technology systems, networks, infrastructure, office and instructional technology, to pay the costs of technology related personnel and training, acquisition of curriculum, textbooks and materials, deferred maintenance, and the acquisition of replacement school busses and other transportation vehicles. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $650,000 for taxes payable in 2026, 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 $6,500,000. The projects have received a positive Review and Comment from the Commissioner of Education.
Due to inflationary costs and funding gaps, Triton is facing a significant budget challenge. After budget reductions to right size with declining enrollment, the school board is facing difficult decisions. The unreserved fund balance is below the board approved level. The board has been proactive by reducing the budget but there are needs to maintain programming and high-quality teaching and learning experiences in a safe environment. The current tax rate lags behind area schools and in investment is needed at this time.
The Capital Projects Levy is a local property tax approved by voters that provides funding for a variety infrastructure, technology and transportation projects. It is a 10 year tax authorization term. Approval of this referendum would provide critical funding to support school technology, curriculum, deferred maintenance and transportation.
• Technology Investments - Staff and student devices, network upgrades, instructional technology, online curriculum, technology staff, and intervention resources.
• Curricular Investments - Updated textbooks and materials.
• Facility Improvements - Deferred maintenance needs throughout the facility.
• Transportation Updates - Replacement of aging buses and vans to ensure a safe, efficient transportation fleet.
Triton Public Schools surveyed taxpayers in June-July of 2025. The results were that the majority were in favor of the $650,000 tax increase. The Capital Projects Levy would increase taxes on a $250,000 home by $6.00 per month for a period of 10 (ten) years. Legally these funds can only be used for the betterment of our facilities including the items outlined. Technology, deferred maintenance, curriculum and transportation.
What happens if this levy doesn’t pass. The Triton District fund balance is below the board approved level and going into the negative our SOD (Statutory Operating Debt) could be in the future. The board will have some difficult decisions to make. They will stay committed to reducing the budget based on enrollment but cuts will need to go deeper and the loss of programming and bus fleet may become a reality.
Absentee voting is available (September 19 - November 3) in the Triton District Office, 813 W Hwy Street Dodge Center, MN from (7:30 AM - 3:30 PM) on weekdays when school is in session. The District Office is located on the Triton Schools grounds. Enter on the north side of the building at door #35, by the flagpole.
Voting on election day will take place at Dodge Center City Hall 35 East Main Street, Dodge Center, MN 55927. For more information you may visit the Triton Webpage at www.triton.k12.mn.us, you will now find a header at the top of the website with a direct link to the Capital Projects Levy Website https://www.triton.k12.mn.us/page/levy.
The following meetings are scheduled:
● West Concord Informational Meeting - Thursday, October 16, following City Council Meeting, approximately 7:40 PM. Bell Tower Center, West Concord.
● Claremont Informational Meeting - Wednesday, October 22, 7:00 PM, Claremont City Hall
● Dodge Center Informational Meeting - Thursday, October 23, 7:00 PM, DC City Hall
