The funding will be used to support day-to-day operations and capital, technology, safety and transportation needs.
Voters in the Moorhead Area Public School District approved an operating levy and a capital projects levy on Tuesday, which together will provide $5.87 million annually to help fund the district’s budget and restore financial stability.
Unofficial vote tallies were 4206 votes in favor and 2799 votes against for the 10-year, $4.37 million operating levy, and 3986 votes in favor and 3011 votes against for the 10-year, $1.5 million capital projects levy.
Like many Minnesota districts, MAPS has faced growing financial challenges in recent years, driven by a 20-year state funding gap and rising costs. Last year, the district made $4 million in budget cuts – and will avoid an additional $5 million in cuts thanks to the voter-approved investment.
The operating levy will help support the district’s operating budget, which pays for day-to-day school functions such as teacher and staff salaries, supplies, program costs, utilities and routine maintenance. The capital projects levy will support capital, technology, safety and transportation needs, helping keep the general fund focused on classroom education.
“This is a moment of profound gratitude and renewed hope for our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak. “We are deeply thankful to our community. Because of your support, we can continue providing the high-quality education our students deserve by maintaining the dedicated staff, programs and learning experiences that make Moorhead Schools strong.”
After voters rejected a capital projects levy in 2024, the district listened closely to residents who wanted more clarity on how funds would be spent and a more comprehensive plan to meet the district’s needs. The approved plan reflects that community feedback and provides a balanced, long-term financial foundation for the future.
The two levies will help the district keep staff positions, maintain class sizes, protect student support services, strengthen academics and extracurricular programs and invest in student success.
For more information, residents are encouraged to visit Vote152.org.