With additional, dedicated revenue, Mounds View Public Schools can improve school safety, maintain cybersecurity efforts and advance student achievement. This effort could include things like . . .

School safety

• Upgrading the public address and emergency response system to include digital display signage in classrooms.
• Strengthening the visitor management process for entering schools.
• Increasing security camera coverage in critical areas.
• Adopting next-generation, hack-resistant door-entry fob controllers and readers.

Cybersecurity

• Remaining current with the expanding industry standards – a widely recognized and respected set of guidelines for building a strong cybersecurity program.

Public school districts are part of the nation’s critical infrastructure sectors under increasing threat from cyberattacks.

In Mounds View Public Schools . . .

• 8,000 devices are connected to the wireless network every day.
• 1,775 emails are flagged as Phishing each month.
• 60,000 cyberattacks were blocked in one month alone.
• 25,000 attempts to visit malicious websites are prevented each month.

Classroom learning 

• Consistently installing and replacing interactive whiteboards in all classrooms.
• Replacing and upgrading student and staff devices.
• Installing learning stations along with advanced coding and STEAM labs.
  • Dedicated spaces for coding, engineering and creating with tech tools like virtual reality, augmented reality, drones, or robotics – where students can design complex projects.

If voters reject the levy?

Without this dedicated revenue source, there will be continued pressure on the general operating budget competing for dollars required for other classroom and school needs. This will eventually lead to outdated security systems, older devices and limited technology support.

Vote early, in person, close to home at two Ramsey County libraries.

• October 17 - 31, weekdays: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Saturday, November 1:
  9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Monday, November 3:
  10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Or vote by absentee ballot before November 4. Applications available here. 

Or vote on Election Day, November 4. For polling hours and locations visit here.

Download the ballot question here.

Does Mounds View already have a capital projects levy?

No, but most metro school districts do.

Does Mounds View already have an operating levy?

Yes. In 2019, voters approved combining two operating levies into one 10-year levy, to avoid levy-renewal voter fatigue. This is the levy dedicated to maintaining current class sizes and programming in schools.

What’s the difference between a capital projects levy and an operating levy?

A capital projects levy is used for specific, long-term projects like facility improvements, technology upgrades and safety/security measures. An operating levy provides funding for teaching and learning, daily operation of schools and classrooms, teachers and staff as well as maintaining class sizes.

How much funding will MY SCHOOL receive?

If the levy is successful, each school will convene a team to determine the site’s specific needs and priorities. A District-based team will evaluate the needs, estimate the expenses and develop a comprehensive plan to implement improvements across all schools on a phased timeline.