faqs

Find clear answers to common questions about the Our Huskies, Our Future plan and the proposed operating levy referendum.

Questions about the Plan

  • Albany Area Schools has 1,700 students across grades K-12 who carry forward our mission to cultivate and nurture engaged critical thinkers who are lifelong learners. However, after a series of budget reductions, declining enrollment, and underfunding at the state and local levels, we need funding support to continue delivering quality education and programming for our students. Our Huskies, Our Future addresses this need through a proposed operating levy referendum that would generate $1,147 per pupil, or approximately $1.98 million, per year for 10 years. If approved by district voters in November, the funding will help the district avoid additional budget cuts, maintain class sizes and student opportunities, and rebuild its fund balance reserves.

  • Albany Area Schools currently ranks 303rd out of 329 Minnesota school districts in per-pupil funding. That, combined with declining enrollment, the rising cost of education and underfunding for vital programs like special education, is straining our ability to deliver a strong education. In the past year, we made more than $1 million in budget adjustments, including cutting teaching positions, bus routes and one administrative position as well as increasing fees. But that is not enough. We are already in a position where we must stretch class sizes, reduce bus routes, and limit school programming.

  • If voters approve the referendum, Albany Area Schools would be able to protect class sizes, maintain a wide range of classes and programs, strengthen academic and career programs, and keep the dedicated teachers and staff who make our schools strong. The additional funding would also allow the district to provide better support services, so all students get the help they need.

  • If the referendum does not pass in November, our district’s financial challenges will not go away. Albany Area Schools would be forced to make $2 million in cuts to student services and educational programming ahead of the 2027-28 school year. That would mean fewer teacher and staff positions, larger class sizes, reduced curriculum and programming at all grade levels, less academic support and fewer counseling services.

  • Albany Area Schools invested in the Early Learning Center to meet the district's educational and facility needs based on enrollment projections available at the time. The ELC remains an asset because it created additional learning space throughout the elementary system, allowing the district to better serve students from early childhood through grade 5. While enrollment trends have changed in recent years, the investment provided needed capacity, improved learning environments, and continues to support students across the district.

  • Great schools benefit our community. They attract families, support local businesses and strengthen the quality of life in our area. Albany Area Schools has been a source of community pride since 1958. The proposed referendum would allow our schools to continue supporting a bright future for our students and our community.

Questions about the Costs and Financing

  • Starting in 2027, the estimated tax increase for the owner of a $330,000 home would be about $41 per month, or $496 per year. Your individual tax impact depends on the value of the property you own.

  • An operating levy is a local property tax that funds a school district’s everyday expenses like classroom supplies, staff salaries, program costs, utilities and routine maintenance. It pays for the district’s day-to-day operations rather than for new buildings or major construction.

  • The district was aiming to make approximately $1,000,000 in budget adjustment through reductions and revenue increases last spring. The following budget reductions were made in the spring of 2026.

    • 1 FTE Administrator

    • 4 FTE Teachers

    • 4 FTE Classified Positions

    • 2 Coaching Positions

    • 2 Bus Routes

    • Reduction of subscriptions, contracts and memberships

    • Reduction of supply budgets

    In addition, the following revenue increases were made in the spring of 2026:

    • Increase event entry fees

    • Increase childcare and preschool fees

    • Increase middle school and high school activity fees

    • Increase high school parking pass fee

  • Yes. This is more difficult to do because staff are already under contract for the coming school year. As a result, adjustments are made through attrition and hiring new staff at reduced salary and benefit packages. The following adjustments have been made since July 1. This has reduced the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) expenditures by almost $250,000.

    • Filling teaching vacancies with lower salaried staff

    • Leaving a vacant position unfilled

    • Hiring an interim superintendent at a reduced salary

Questions about Voting

    • Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

    • Early voting begins: Friday, September 18. 2026

    Visit the voting page for more details.

  • Yes. Early voting begins Friday, September 18, 2026. You can also vote by mail or vote absentee in person. More voting information will be added to this website as details are confirmed.

  • Yes. Any eligible voter who lives within the boundaries of the Albany Area Schools district can vote in the referendum, whether or not they have children enrolled in our schools.

  • To find your closest polling place and hours, use the state’s Poll Finder tool.

  • The constitutional amendment would increase the funding formula for the Permanent School Fund’s distributions to all school districts in Minnesota. The Our Huskies, Our Future Operating Levy Plan is a dedicated investment for our local schools. Both questions will be on the ballot this year.