A community investment in our schools
The district has worked with our community to ensure that the proposed ballot questions ($59.44 million and $6 million) will provide long-term value to students, staff, and residents. If approved by voters, this investment will be supported by a property tax increase that would take effect in 2026 and be in place for the length of the 20-year bond.
You may be eligible for ways to reduce the cost of the referendum.
Your individual tax impact will depend on the value of the property you own. For example:
Funding Sources
To minimize the impact on taxpayers as much as possible, Aitkin Public Schools is actively exploring other funding sources, such as state bonding and community partnerships.
TAX BASE BREAKDOWN
On May 29, the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) awarded the district $5 million to support infrastructure development for a new school, reducing the cost of the project from $70.44 million to $65.44 million. This grant is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to ensure our plan is both fiscally responsible and responsive to the long-term needs of our students, staff, and community. It also shows that this project matters to our region.
If voters reject the referendum this November, Aitkin Public Schools will not receive the $5 million grant from the IRRRB. This rare funding opportunity is only available for the proposed referendum project, and future funding opportunities are not likely.
Ag2School Tax Credit
To reduce the impact of a bond referendum on owners of farmland, Minnesota’s Ag2School Tax Credit offers a 70% tax credit to all agricultural property except the house, garage, and one acre surrounding the agricultural homestead. This is not a tax deduction – it is an automatic dollar-for-dollar credit, with no application required.
Through the Ag2School tax credit, the State of Minnesota will pay about 8% of the project, if approved by voters.
Please visit our connect page to submit questions or feedback.