Fargo Voters Decide School Levy Reauthorization
Fargo Public Schools asks voters to reauthorize an excess mill levy that funds its general budget, with a $2 million annual deficit projected if it fails.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Administration
Live Poll
Should Fargo voters approve keeping the school district's current property tax levy?
Fargo Public Schools voters are deciding a ballot measure to reauthorize the district's excess mill levy in place since 2018. If the measure fails, the district would face an estimated $2 million annual deficit.
Why it matters
The measure determines whether the district keeps taxing authority that captures revenue from new housing, commercial development, and population growth. Without it, the general fund levy would drop to the 70-mill statutory limit over time.
The district's tax structure designates 110 mills to the general fund, 12 miscellaneous mills, and 5 tuition mills, with about 80% of the budget going to salary and benefits. Specific cuts beyond the projected class-size and course-offering effects have not been detailed.
The players
Fargo Public Schools
The public school district serving Fargo, North Dakota, which is seeking reauthorization of its excess mill levy to fund classroom staffing and programs.
The details
The ballot asks whether the district can establish a general fund levy of 110 mills while the total local levy remains at 127 mills, the rate paid since 2018. A 'no' vote would freeze new growth revenue and lower the general fund levy to the 70-mill statutory limit over time, which would likely increase elementary class sizes and could affect secondary course offerings.
Timeline
2018: Excess mill levy first put in place, establishing the 127-mill rate.
Two years before publication: District reorganized its tax structure into 110, 12, and 5 mill designations.
November 2, 2026: Voters are deciding the measure.
December 31, 2027: Current excess levy authority is scheduled to expire.
Seasonal Patterns
North Dakota's statewide rule requiring voter reauthorization of above-baseline school levies every 10 years sets the timing for this vote, which is tied to the current authority expiring December 31, 2027. The district's 127-mill total levy has held steady since 2018 under that cycle.
Fargo property taxpayers would see the district's levy rate stay at 127 mills if the measure passes, while a failed vote would lower the general fund levy to the 70-mill limit over time. Families with children in the district could see larger elementary classes and fewer secondary course options if budget cuts follow.
The takeaway
Voter decisions on school levies directly shape how much revenue districts can count on, so reading the ballot language on whether the general fund levy changes from its current structure is worth doing before the vote.
What happens next
The measure's outcome will determine whether the district's current excess levy authority continues beyond its scheduled expiration on December 31, 2027.
Further reading
For related context, see Administration coverage of school district operations in Fargo.
Live Poll
Should Fargo voters approve keeping the school district's current property tax levy?
