Understanding Ely Public Schools’ Operating Referendum

As Nov. 3 approaches, I want to help our community better understand Ely Public Schools’ operating referendum, why the district is pursuing it, and what it could mean for our schools and local taxpayers.
The ballot language is required to state that a “yes” vote is a vote for a property tax increase. While that statement is technically part of the referendum process, it does not tell the entire story of the district’s plan. There is a second, equally important step.
The plan involves two steps:
Step 1: Voters approve the operating referendum.
Step 2: The Ely School Board reduces, or “under-levies,” Local Optional Revenue (LOR) to offset the property tax impact of the referendum.
The School Board is committed to taking this second action each levy cycle so that the operating referendum results in a $0 net increase in property taxes.
Why pursue this approach? By changing how the district receives its operating revenue, Ely Public Schools can access additional state funding that is not available under its current funding structure. This would bring additional state dollars into our district to support students, staff, programs, and schools without increasing the overall property tax burden under the district’s proposed plan.
There is also another important part of this conversation: what happens if the referendum does not pass?
Ely Public Schools has already worked hard to control costs and make difficult budget decisions. Without the additional revenue this plan would provide, the district could face a significant budget shortfall and the need to make further reductions. Those reductions could affect staffing, programs, services, and educational opportunities for students. After the cost-control measures already taken, there are few remaining options to reduce spending without affecting the educational experience we provide to our students.
This referendum is about more than a ballot question. It is about how we fund our schools, maintain educational opportunities, and plan responsibly for the future of Ely Public Schools while accounting for the financial impact on our taxpayers.
It is important that our community understands the full proposal, including both steps:
Operating Referendum + Reduced LOR = $0 Net Property Tax Increase
The district’s goal is to secure additional state funding to help maintain the quality educational opportunities our students and community expect, while offsetting the referendum’s property tax impact through a corresponding reduction in LOR.
I encourage everyone to learn more about the referendum, ask questions, and understand the full two-step process before voting on Nov. 3. By understanding how this plan works, our community can make an informed decision about the future of Ely Public Schools.
Anne M. Oelke
Superintendent
Ely Public School
District