2026 School Referendum | St. Louis Park Public Schools (ISD 283)

Proud Past. Prepared Future. Learn more about the 2026 referendum.

The image depicts a vintage-style badge or sticker with the text %22Vote Aug 11%22 and the phrases %22Proud Past%22 and %22Prepared Future%22 surrounding it.

On August 11, 2026, St. Louis Park Public Schools will ask voters to consider one question on the ballot. The proposal includes funding to update aging building systems and support the technology and safety needs that help schools operate each day.

If approved, the plan would:

Replace boilers and related systems at St. Louis Park Middle School and St. Louis Park High School
Provide ongoing funding for building systems, technology, and safety needs

The proposal combines a one-time bond for building improvements with a capital projects levy that provides ongoing funding.

Attend a Referendum Community Engagement Session

We are inviting members of the St. Louis Park community to learn more about the Referendum. At an upcoming Referendum Community Engagement Session, members of the public will listen to a presentation explaining the one question, learn about its potential impact to the schools and how much it might cost taxpayers in St. Louis Park.

This is a great opportunity to listen and ask questions. We encourage anyone to attend! A recording of the presentation will be made available on the website. The following events will be held in person:

Thursday, May 14 at St. Louis Park High School Cafeteria (5-6 p.m.)
Monday, May 18 at Aquila Elementary Cafeteria (7-8 p.m.)
Thursday, May 21 at Peter Hobart Elementary Cafeteria (6-7 p.m.)
Monday, June 1 at Susan Lindgren Elementary Cafeteria (4-5 p.m.)
Thursday, June 4 at Park Spanish Immersion Media Center (7:30-8:30 a.m.)
Wednesday, June 10 at Lenox Community Center (12-1 p.m.)
Thursday, June 18 at St. Louis Park Middle School Performing Arts Center (8-9 a.m.)

Building Systems

Replacing aging building systems

What's on the Ballot?

One Question. Two Parts.

Bond for Building Improvements

The proposal includes a $50 million bond to replace boilers and related systems at St. Louis Park Middle School and St. Louis Park High School.

This funding would support major building improvements and deferred maintenance projects.

Capital Projects Levy

The proposal includes a 10-year capital projects levy expected to raise about $9.9 million per year.

If approved, the District would receive these funds annually for 10 years to support building systems, technology and safety needs.

Watch a KSTP video overview of the 2026 Referendum

"Can I vote for only one part of the proposal?"

No. The proposal is presented as a single ballot question, which means voters can vote “Yes” or “No” on the entire proposal, but cannot vote on individual parts separately.

The question combines both the bond for building improvements and the capital projects levy for ongoing funding.

See an Example Ballot

Why Now?

Many building, technology, and safety systems across the District are reaching (or have already exceeded) their expected lifespan. Delaying replacement increases the risk of unexpected failures, costly emergency repairs, and disruptions to learning.

Addressing these needs as part of a planned approach helps reduce unexpected issues and aligns maintenance, replacement, and budgeting over time.

The boilers at the middle school and high school are original to the buildings and are approximately 70 years old. The typical lifespan of a boiler is 30–50 years. Keeping these systems operational requires ongoing maintenance and repairs, and costs increase as equipment ages. New boilers are expected to operate more efficiently and reduce long-term maintenance needs.

High School: 70 years old (3 boilers)
Middle School: 67 years old (2 boilers)
Typical lifespan: 30–50 years
Annual maintenance: approximately $20,000–$25,000 per boiler
Burner replacement: $50,000–$100,000 per boiler

Boilers at the middle and high school average 70 years old. A typical boiler lifespan is 30-50 years.

What Happens if the Proposal is Not Approved?

If the proposal is not approved, the District would continue to maintain and repair existing building systems and address future replacement needs over time.

Projects such as boiler and system replacements would still need to be completed. These costs would be paid from the District’s general fund, which supports day-to-day school operations.

As a result, funding used for these needs may reduce available resources for other budget priorities.

See More Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tax Impact?

For a home valued at approximately $400,000:

Estimated monthly increase: about $30
Estimated annual increase: about $360

Tax Impact Calculator

Enter your property’s estimated market value to estimate the monthly and annual tax impact.

Tax Impact Calculator

The image displays information about the tax impact on a $400,000 home, indicating an annual cost of $360 per year or $30 per month.

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Board Action

At the St. Louis Park Public Schools School Board regular business meeting on March 24, 2026, the Board voted to place a referendum question on the Aug. 11, 2026 ballot. The question includes a proposed building bond and a replacement capital projects levy to fund building improvements and ongoing needs related to technology, safety and school operations.