By Harrison Pray
GLYNDON, MINN. (Valley News Live) – Voters in the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School District will decide on a referendum to increase funding by $500 per pupil, with the superintendent warning of significant cuts if the measure fails.
The ballot question asks voters to approve increasing general education revenue by $500 per pupil for Independent School District No. 2164. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years, adjusted for inflation, beginning with taxes payable in 2026.
Superintendent Shannon Hunstad outlined specific budget reductions the district would face without additional funding.
“I told them ‘this is what you have to cut.’ $128,000 in High School, $117,000 in the Middle School, $170 [thousand] in the Elementary,” Hunstad said. “And that’s what this is, this is, we’re going to be cutting, obviously our class sizes are going to jump at our current numbers today. They’ll jump 4 or 5 students a classroom.”
The superintendent said a failed referendum would result in reductions in teaching and non-instructional staff, and cuts to electives, mental health supports, and maintenance.
The district says approving the plan would stabilize the budget and protect programs, services, and staff. The funding would maintain class sizes by keeping teacher and staff positions that allow for more individual attention to students.
The district says the referendum would sustain mental health supports by retaining counselors and staff who help students manage challenges and stay engaged in learning. It would also protect electives and career programs that prepare students for college, careers, and life after high school.
The funding would address maintenance needs to keep facilities safe, functional, and welcoming, according to the district.
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