What does a YES vote on Duluth School District (ISD #709) Question 2 mean?

If Question 1 passes, Duluth Public Schools would add another $382.00 per pupil, rising with inflation, for ten years starting with taxes payable in 2027, to fund school operations.

What does a NO vote on Duluth School District (ISD #709) Question 2 mean?

Duluth Public Schools would not get this additional $382.00-per-pupil revenue.

How many votes does Duluth School District (ISD #709) Question 2 need to pass?

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Should I vote yes or no on Duluth School District (ISD #709) Question 2?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Duluth School District (ISD #709) Question 2 — APPROVAL OF SCHOOL DISTRICT ADDITIONAL REFERENDUM REVENUE AUTHORIZATION (St. Louis County)

Last updated Sat, Nov 7, 4:33 PM ET

Ballot measure · November 3, 2026 · Duluth school district voters

What it does: The School Board of Independent School District No. 709 (Duluth Public Schools), Minnesota has proposed to increase its general education revenue by an additional $382.00 per pupil, contingent upon Ballot Question No. 1 being approved. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2026 for taxes payable in 2027, would be applicable for ten (10) years and would be subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation, unless otherwise revoked or reduced by law. The additional revenue will be used to fund school operations. If Ballot Question No. 1 is approved, shall the additional new increase in general education revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 709 (Duluth Public Schools) for each year also be approved? BY VOTING "YES" ON THE BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING YES FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.
A YES vote means: If Question 1 passes, Duluth Public Schools would add another $382.00 per pupil, rising with inflation, for ten years starting with taxes payable in 2027, to fund school operations.
A NO vote means: Duluth Public Schools would not get this additional $382.00-per-pupil revenue.
Needed to pass: A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.
Left–right lean: Unclear: our AI read of the official summary isn't confident enough (we require 70%) to place this on the left–right spectrum, so we don't. Read the summary and decide for yourself.

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Background

The Duluth School Board voted unanimously to put a two-question operating referendum on the November 3 ballot. Question 2 takes effect only if voters also approve Question 1.

According to the district, Question 2 would add operating revenue to help stabilize finances while it works to right-size operations. The district estimates its tax impact at about $7 a month on a $300,000 home, or $2.34 per $100,000 of home value.

The district says it has cut about $12 million (about 8% of spending) over three years. Its 2026-27 budget projects a $3.9 million deficit with $2.5 million left in its fund balance.

District officials say at least $5 million more in cuts will be needed for 2027-28 even if the referendum passes. They also say that without more revenue the district could fall into statutory operating debt, which would bring Minnesota Department of Education oversight.

Put on the ballot by Duluth School Board (ISD 709), unanimous (per district announcement; meeting date not stated on the page).

From official source.

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Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Duluth School District (ISD #709) Question 2 mean?: If Question 1 passes, Duluth Public Schools would add another $382.00 per pupil, rising with inflation, for ten years starting with taxes payable in 2027, to fund school operations.
What does a NO vote on Duluth School District (ISD #709) Question 2 mean?: Duluth Public Schools would not get this additional $382.00-per-pupil revenue.
How many votes does Duluth School District (ISD #709) Question 2 need to pass?: A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.
Should I vote yes or no on Duluth School District (ISD #709) Question 2?: SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.
When is the vote?: The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Not sure how to decide? Read our nonpartisan guide to the St. Louis County ballot.

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