Few School Districts Seek Levy Referendums In 2016

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Few school districts in Minnesota are opting to put levy referendums on the ballot during this year's presidential race.

Only 28 districts have items on the ballot this November, and only 10 of those are seeking money for buildings. The St. Cloud Area School District is among the 10 that have a bond referendum for a new school on the ballot next month.

The Minnesota School Boards Association spokesman Greg Abbott says it's hard to compete with voters' attention during a presidential race, and when school boards can't tell voters why they need money, it's hard to get approval.

Increased state funding and tax measures passed in many districts in recent years might also be a factor.

Minneapolis is one district with a tax measure on the ballot. It is asking voters to renew an existing operating levy, with no projected tax increase.