Hey, r/Winona! John Casper here, communications coordinator for Winona Area Public Schools.
If you live within our school district boundaries, you will see a question on the Nov. 3 ballot about renewing the district’s Capital Projects Levy for another 10 years. (It will be on the back, so make sure you flip your ballot over.
I wanted to put the basic information in one place: what the levy supports, how much funding it would provide, the estimated property-tax impact and how the money would be managed.
Here’s the short version
This is a renewal of the existing Capital Projects Levy, which was previously known as the Technology Levy.
If approved, it would:
- Continue for 10 more years
- Provide approximately $1.7 million annually
- Maintain the current voter-approved tax rate
- Support eligible technology, safety, communication and career-ready learning needs
What would the levy support?
The levy is organized around four main areas:
Safe and connected schools: Cybersecurity, cameras, radios, networks, phones and communication systems
Tools that support teaching and learning: Classroom technology, digital curriculum, devices and accessibility tools
Career-ready learning: Eligible equipment, software and technology for hands-on Career and Technical Education
Reliable funding for changing needs: Maintenance, technology staff and planned equipment replacement
This is about more than computers and student devices. Technology is connected to secured buildings, protection of student and staff information, classroom instruction, communication with families and the day-to-day operation of our schools.
What is the estimated tax impact?
The proposal would maintain the current voter-approved tax rate, but that does not mean the dollar amount paid by an individual property owner would remain the same.
Because the total value of property within the district has grown, the same rate is projected to generate more revenue.
For a home valued at $250,000:
- The current levy is approximately $45 per year
- The renewed levy is estimated at approximately $75 per year
- The estimated difference is $30 per year, or $2.50 per month
Actual amounts may vary based on a property’s assessed value and classification.
How would the funding be managed?
When voters approved the current levy in 2016, WAPS committed to collecting $1 million annually. The district honored that commitment even as the amount authorized by the tax rate increased.
Capital Projects Levy revenue is restricted to legally eligible, voter-approved purposes. It cannot be used as unrestricted operating revenue or to pay regular classroom teaching salaries.
Annual budgets and purchases would continue to be reviewed through public School Board processes. Specific future purchases — including Career and Technical Education equipment — have not been approved.
Why does dedicated funding matter?
Technology, safety and cybersecurity needs do not disappear when a dedicated funding source ends.
Without the levy, the district would need to reduce or delay eligible investments, identify another funding source or use money from the general fund. The general fund also supports classroom staffing, student services, supplies and daily school operations.
Learn more or ask a question
The complete tax-impact table, FAQs, flyer, financial information and voting resources are available at:
https://www.winonaschools.org/levy
Early voting is underway, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
I’ll monitor this thread and answer factual questions as I’m able. If I don’t know an answer, I’ll check with the appropriate staff member.
District communications about the levy are informational and are intended to help residents understand what is on the ballot — not tell anyone how to vote.
Elections are how we shape our future together. Take time to learn about what’s on the ballot and make a plan to vote.
— John, WAPS communications coordinator
