Duluth Voters to Weigh Three School Referendum Questions

Local families are advocating for ballot measures aimed at addressing a significant budget deficit.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Secondary Education

Duluth Voters to Weigh Three School Referendum Questions

Live Poll

Would you support increasing local property taxes to fund school district operations?

Duluth voters will consider three distinct referendum questions on the November 3 ballot. Two of these measures propose property tax increases to secure funding for the local school district.

Why it matters

The school district currently faces a structural budget deficit because state funding has not kept pace with recent inflation. If the local ballot questions fail, the district expects to implement $12 million in budget cuts.

The school district faces $12 million in potential budget cuts if the measures fail. Homeowners with property valued at $300,000 would pay an additional $15 per month if the local questions pass.

The details

The referendum questions will be located on the back of the ballots for voters to review. In addition to the two local tax-related items, there is one statewide constitutional referendum regarding an increase in state funding per student.

November 3 is the scheduled election day for the referendum questions.

Culture Shift

This effort reflects a broader movement where school districts increasingly rely on local referendums to offset state funding that lags behind inflation. It highlights a shift in public financing where communities are tasked with filling structural budget gaps directly.

Homeowners in the district should anticipate an additional monthly tax obligation of $15 on properties valued at $300,000 if the referendums are approved. The election outcome will determine whether the district avoids or proceeds with $12 million in cuts.

The takeaway

Voters should review the back of their ballots to ensure they do not miss the three education-related questions. Understanding the link between local tax rates and classroom budgets is essential for participating in the upcoming election.