BRAVES PRIDE RUNS DEEP!
Benson 2026 Operating Referendum
Like many schools across Minnesota, Benson Public Schools is facing ongoing money challenges. Costs keep going up, but the money schools get from the state hasn’t grown enough to keep up.
Over the past three years, Benson has cut more than $1 million from its budget, including $300,000 for this school year. The district does have some savings, but that amount is expected to shrink from $2.1 million to just $105,000 in a few years unless operating revenue increases.
Operating Levy for Learning
What it does
Provides funding for the daily operation of the school district.
What it Supports
Teachers & staff.
Academic programs & services.
Classroom materials & instructional technology.
Transportation & student support.
Why it Matters
Operating funding supports what happens inside classrooms and schools every day.
It helps ensure the school district can maintain programs, services, and staffing levels that support student learning.
Key Facts
Benson Public Schools is facing ongoing financial challenges.
The school board voted unanimously to ask voters to consider an operating levy referendum for $700 more per student annually.
This referendum benefits all residents by protecting existing academics and programs and retaining quality staff.
For the average homeowner, this increase will cost roughly $15 a month.
Without it, district reserves will drop dramatically within a few years, forcing more cuts