Brooklyn Center Community Schools seeks technology funding through property tax increase

When Brooklyn Center voters head to the polls in November, they will be asked to consider a capital project levy to upgrade the district’s technology infrastructure, cybersecurity and physical security.

If approved, an increase in property taxes would be used to generate an estimated $700,000 in additional annual revenue for the district.

According to district officials, the additional funding would allow ISD 286 to hire technology staff to support all PreK-Grade 12 students and provide technology training for all staff members. Additionally, the district would upgrade and replace existing technology in their labs and technical training programs.

Finally, some of the money would go towards building out the district’s Tri-Campus Model of catalog courses for high school students.

If the new capital project levy is approved, the owner of a $100,000 home would pay an estimated $3 in additional taxes per month.

COVID aftermath

During the pandemic, the district used relief funds from the federal government to build out the virtual learning environment. Those federal dollars dried up in 2023.

Last fall, the district asked voters to consider an increase to the operating levy to help fill the gap. That effort failed, with 54% of voters rejecting the increase and 45% in support.

“We worked hard over the past year to find alternative solutions in support of the needs of our students and community,” Superintendent Carly Baker said.

By asking voters to consider a capital projects levy this fall rather than an operating levy, the tax impact on district homeowners is lower than what was asked for last year.

Unlike an operating levy, a capital project levy is not tied to enrollment but rather the value of properties within the district. If approved, the new capital project levy would raise approximately $7 million over the next 10 years. It would then expire during the 2034-2035 school year.