One ballot question. Two important investments in St. Louis Park Schools.
One Question, Two InvestmentsBoth projects appear together as a single question on the August 11 ballot. Voting “YES” funds both.
✓ Critical Infrastructure
Bond for Building Systems
✓ Boiler Replacement. Replace outdated boilers and extensive pipe infrastructure at both the middle school and high school.
✓ Replace Aging Infrastructure. Current equipment is roughly 70 years old and beyond its operational lifespan.
✓ Return on Investment. Significantly reduces the ongoing maintenance costs to operate critical equipment.
✓ Long-term Operations. Investments will ensure school buildings stay functional, reliable, and operational over time.
✓ District-wide Maintenance. Covers additional building needs across all district facilities.
✓ Safety & Technology
Capital Projects Levy
✓ Building Security. Upgrade and maintain secure entries, door hardware, cameras, alarms, and network devices across all buildings.
✓ Cybersecurity. Cybersecurity maintenance to ensure student data privacy and safety.
✓ Competitive. Brings voter-approved safety and technology funding to a level comparable to neighboring districts.
✓ Modernize. Provide devices, network systems, and ongoing platform updates to maintain functionality district-wide.
✓ Innovation. Implement modernized communication tools, optimized learning platforms, and digital classrooms for seamless operations.
-
The district will face a budget shortfall which could lead to budget cuts in staff and curriculum
-
Historically, state funding for school safety has not been tied to infrastructure. Following the 2026 legislative session, state funding fell short of helping districts across MN with security concerns.
Costs for building safety and technology systems come out of the facility maintenance budget. Like with older homes in SLP, the cost of maintaining school buildings and land have only increased. When the facilities budget falls short, the district has to utilize critical general fund resources which pay for staff and curriculum.
-
This levy is not about increasing devices or screentime. However, technology is an integral part of our modern school environment:
Curriculum & Instructional Material Design
Instructional Planning & Classroom Delivery
Parent & Community Communication
Grading & Student Assessment
Administrative & Classroom Management
Building Safety & Cybersecurity
Essential Building Operations
-
Schools are often targeted because of their aging security systems and lack of funding. The impact of these attacks are particularly alarming because they jeopardize student data privacy. This levy funds the hardware, software, and ongoing maintenance to protect SLP students’ personal data.
Read more: Cyber attacks on Minnesota School Districts (CBS News)
-
The project includes multiple boilers across both the middle school and high school buildings
The majority of the cost lies in the labor involved to replace the aging piping infrastructure within both buildings - a requirement to operate the new boilers
Alternative options were considered, but the district chose the most cost efficient option with return on investment breaking even expected within 10 years resulting from efficiencies and reduced ongoing maintenance
Building On Our FoundationThe St. Louis Park community prioritizes our schools and our students! During Operation Metro Surge, families and students stepped up to protect our neighbors and students. Voting to fund our schools is one more way we take care of each other!
Our schools have been good stewards of the community’s past investments.
When SLP voters said “Yes” before, the district delivered! Past investments produced:
Enhanced Learning Environments
✓
Remodeled Kitchens and Cafeterias in Schools
✓
Upgraded Athletic Facilities - Football Stadium and Track
✓
ADA Compliant Playgrounds
✓
Today’s needs have outgrown our funding.
The past capital projects levy does not meet our current or future needs. If the referendum fails, the district will face a budget shortfall, impacting staffing and curriculum budgets.
Voting “YES” funds critical infrastructure, secure and functional buildings and ongoing maintenance across the district.
Get Involved!Your support for this critical investment in our community is greatly appreciated!
Vote Yes!One ballot question. Two Important Investments.
A continued commitment to St. Louis Park Schools!
For SLP Schools - Tuesday, August 11