Cannon Falls board calls Nov. 4 special election for new $9.50 per pupil referendum authorization

The Cannon Falls School Board voted to place a new operating referendum question on a special election ballot for Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, seeking a new referendum revenue authorization of $9.50 per pupil with an annual inflationary adjustment, for up to 10 years.

Jeff (presenter) told the board the finance committee recommended a straightforward question: a new $9.50 per pupil operating authorization with inflation, rather than a “revoke and replace” approach that would pair the current $500 operating levy with a new levy and potentially confuse voters. He said the revoke‑and‑replace wording could show a larger number on the ballot (for example, $14.50) and that committee members preferred the simpler presentation to reduce confusion for voters.

The formal resolution the board approved reads in part that it is “necessary and expedient to increase the school district's general education revenue by $9.50 per pupil subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation” and calls the special election for Nov. 4, 2025. Jeff explained the tax impact depends on property valuation; the $9.50 per pupil figure translates to a smaller dollar increase on a homeowner’s property tax bill (for example, a $300,000 house produces roughly $2.62 in the presenter’s example).

Board members discussed ballot wording requirements and emphasized that public outreach will be necessary so that voters understand the per‑pupil levy concept and their property tax impact. The board passed the resolution on a roll‑call vote with all members voting yes.