St. Louis Park voters are set for a high-stakes school funding decision on Aug. 11, 2026, when they will weigh in on a two-question referendum that district leaders say is needed to replace aging high school boilers and upgrade classroom technology and building security. The proposal has drawn scrutiny for its overall cost and for officials' warnings that a rejection could lead to staff or program cuts.
Board Approves Questions for the August Ballot
At its April 12 meeting, the St. Louis Park School Board unanimously signed off on two ballot questions that will send a capital-projects levy renewal and a bond referendum to voters, according to St. Louis Park Public Schools. District officials present the combined package as a way to modernize technology, tighten building access, and tackle deferred maintenance across all schools.
What Is in the Bond Package?
The district says the $136 million bond referendum is designed to “enhance the daily lived experience of students, stabilize costs and conserve energy, maintain core operations, and improve safety and security.” District materials estimate that the owner of a St. Louis Park home valued at $331,800, the current median, would pay about $18.92 more per month, roughly $227 per year, if both questions pass. The same materials note that early voting is planned to start June 24.
Officials and Residents Weigh In
Superintendent Dr. Carlondrea Hines told KSTP the referendum is “essential from an educational perspective.” Director of Facilities Jim Langevin told the station that one of the high school’s boilers, which is original to the building and was installed in 1955, failed earlier this year and that the district currently spends about $50,000 to $100,000 a year on maintenance. Board Chair Virginia Mancini told KSTP that security and cybersecurity are major priorities, and several residents interviewed by the station said they would support the measure even as they voiced concerns about higher taxes.
Tax Impact and Stakes if the Measure Fails
KSTP reported that district leaders offered an example in which a homeowner with a $400,000 house would see about a $30 per month property tax increase if the measures are approved. Hines told the station that if voters turn down the referendum, “staff cuts are in play,” and that technology and maintenance projects would instead have to be funded out of the district’s general fund.
How to Learn More and Next Steps
The City of St. Louis Park lists the Aug. 11, 2026 state primary and special election on its elections page and provides information on polling places, sample ballots, and absentee voting. The district says it plans to release detailed project lists and an interactive tax calculator before early voting begins so residents can review itemized costs for specific schools and building systems.
