FAQs

Q. Didn’t you receive money from the state legislature? Why do you need more?

A: The State of MN made important new investments in preK-12 schools during the recent legislative session, but those investments only helped Yellow Medicine East and other school districts partly catch up from more than a decade of funding schools lower than the rate of inflation. Those investments were welcome but won't enable Yellow Medicine East to help all students compete and thrive in a changing world.

Q. Does farm property receive some tax relief?

A: Yes, for decades, farm families paid school operating levies on 1 acre of property that included the house, but paid school bond levies on all property. In 2017, the Minnesota Legislature approved a 40 percent tax credit for farm land school bond taxes. In 2019, the legislature approved higher tax credits to be phased in over time… with a cap of 70 percent in 2023 and thereafter.

In Yellow Medicine East, the proposed bond project will receive aid from the School Building Bond Agricultural Tax Credit. This credit provides agricultural property owners a credit for school district debt service. This is an automatic reduction of property taxes paid. For this referendum, the State of Minnesota will pay for approximately $40 million of the bond amount because of the School Building Bond Agricultural Tax Credit for agricultural property.

Q: Why is this an urgent need?

A: Student learning is impacted by failing school infrastructure. Repair and maintenance costs are significantly higher than other school districts due to the age of equipment and facilities. The costs divert resources from the general fund and classroom learning. Boiler breakdowns at the elementary school have required multiple urgent repairs throughout the year. Roofs cannot be insured as they are past their lifespans.

Tax-related questions

Q: What is the difference between an operating levy and a building bond referendum?

A: Levies are for learning, bonds are for building. When communities support an operating levy, they are providing the district general funds to use for teachers’ salaries, textbooks, co-curricular programs, transportation, computers, utilities and the general operation of the district.

On the other hand, a bond referendum provides districts dollars to make improvements to facilities and building infrastructure only. For example, bonds can be used for major construction such as renovation, building an addition, building new schools or for general building projects such as addressing deferred maintenance and ventilation deficiencies. Bonds, however, cannot be used to hire teachers, buy textbooks, or for the operation of the district such as utilities.

Q. Can I deduct the taxes paid on my State and Federal Income Taxes?

A. If you itemize deductions for federal income taxes, you may deduct all property taxes paid.

Value of schools in community

Q. How do schools impact the community?

A: According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, there is a definite correlation between school expenditures and home values in any given neighborhood. A report titled, “Using Market Valuation to Assess Public School Spending,” found that for every dollar spent on public schools in a community, home values increased $20. These findings indicate that additional school expenditures may benefit everyone in the community, whether or not those residents actually have children in the local public school system.

Q: Does increasing funding for schools have any effect on academic outcomes?

A: The most rigorous research shows that, as scholars C. Kirabo Jacson and Claudia Persico put it, “there is a strong causal relationship between increased school spending and student achievement.” To read the scholar’s review of that research, please visit https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/pam.22520. 

Q: I don't have kids in school. Why should I care about this?

A: Strong schools help support a strong and vibrant community. Local community and business leaders are active in our schools and will help guide future decisions. We are all dependent upon the outcomes of all schools, and YME is no exception. We must educate the next generation to sustain our community. 

Referendum Timing

Q: Why is this an urgent need?

A: Student learning is impacted by failing school infrastructure. Repair and maintenance costs are significantly higher than other school districts due to the age of equipment and facilities. The costs divert resources from the general fund and classroom learning. Boiler breakdowns at the elementary school have required multiple urgent repairs throughout the year.

Voting Information

Q: How and where can I vote for the referendum? 

In Minnesota, you can register at your polling place on Election Day.

• Same day registration checklist (MN Secretary Of State – Register on Election Day)

• If you would like to update your registration, or create a registration prior to election day, click this link to Register online (Register to Vote or Update Your Registration – MNVotes)

Early Voting opens June 27
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Yellow Medicine County Government Center
180 8th Ave, Granite Falls, MN  56241

Early voting extended hours:
Saturday, August 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Monday, August 11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.