On this page: Our Opportunity | Cost & Tax Impact | Voting | Connect
Panther Progress:
Investing in Students
An unprecedented opportunity for Park Rapids Area Schools
At Park Rapids Area Schools, we are dedicated to preparing today’s learners for tomorrow’s challenges with strong educational programs, a safe learning environment and the personalized attention every student deserves. Panther pride runs deep, and we plan to keep it that way.
On Tuesday, November 3, voters in the Park Rapids Area School District will consider an unprecedented opportunity to invest in our students through an operating levy — without raising local school property taxes.
If approved by voters, the Panther Progress plan would:
Bring home $632,432 in new state funding — enough for about 8 more teaching positions.
Generate about $1.8 million in new annual revenue or $1,111 per student for 10 years starting in 2027.
Lower class sizes, improve school safety and strengthen student support services
Have a net tax impact of $0 – because the school board has already voted to reduce its existing local levy.
Explore this site to learn about this opportunity, the tax impact and how to vote.
Questions? Use the Connect form below.
Our Opportunity
Like many Minnesota districts, our budget is being squeezed by inflation, unfunded government mandates like paid family and medical leave, and state funding that hasn’t kept pace with the rising cost of education in 20 years. Rather than wait for the next round of cuts, we have a better option.
Minnesota’s new Seasonal Tax Base Replacement Aid lets districts like ours — with lots of cabins and vacation homes — bring state dollars home if voters approve an operating levy. Approval would generate $1.8 million a year for 10 years, starting in 2027, at a net property tax increase of $0.
If approved by voters, this funding would directly support:
Additional teachers to lower class sizes.
Reading and math specialist that help ensure our students don’t fall behind.
Social workers, mental health counselors and school resource officers who support our students and keep our schools safe and secure.
The programs our students rely on, including the Park Rapids Area Virtual Academy, college-level classes and eCampus opportunities.
Fulfilling the vision of PRoject 309, our career and technical education center, helping ensure every student is prepared for success after graduation.
If voters approve the referendum:
Park Rapids Area Schools gains about $1.8 million in new annual revenue
An estimated $632,432 comes from new state aid — enough for about 8 teaching positions
The school board reduces its existing levy by an equal amount — net tax impact: $0
Seasonal recreational property taxes stay the same
This is a chance to bring state dollars home and invest in our students — at no extra cost to taxpayers.
The Cost & Tax Impact
This plan is built to be responsible and taxpayer-friendly. Here's how it works.
If approved, the levy generates $1,111 per pupil — about $1.8 million a year — for 10 years starting in 2027. Minnesota's new Seasonal Tax Base Replacement Aid (STBRA) program kicks in an estimated $632,432 of that as state aid, but only if voters approve the operating levy.
Estimated Tax Impact
The school board has committed to reducing an existing levy by the same amount the new levy brings in. Net annual impact for taxpayers: $0. Taxes on seasonal recreational properties, including cabins, won't change either.
How We Got Here
Park Rapids Area Schools has kept its finances on solid footing through careful budgeting, even as inflation and unfunded mandates added real cost pressure. When the state created this new program for districts like ours, we saw a rare opportunity: bring resources home, ease budget pressure, and continue supporting our schools without raising local taxes. The school board reviewed the opportunity with financial advisors and voted to put it on the November ballot.
Voting: Make Your Voice Heard!
This is an important community decision for the future of our students and schools. The operating levy referendum will appear on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
There are three ways to vote:
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Early voting via absentee ballot begins Friday, September 18, 2026.
To have an absentee ballot mailed to you, complete a Minnesota Absentee Ballot Application.
Once complete, submit your absentee ballot by mail, or drop it off at your county's in-person absentee voting location.
Completed ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, to be counted.
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Early in-person voting begins Friday, October 16, 2026.
Check back here for details about early voting locations and hours.
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Vote at your regular polling place between 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Register to vote before November 3 and save time on Election Day.
If you forget to register, Minnesota allows same-day voter registration.
Connect
