A grassroots movement is gaining momentum in Moorhead, Minnesota, as residents rally for a “yes” vote on a referendum aimed at stabilizing the budget of the Moorhead Area Public Schools. The campaign, led by local residents Katherine Halvorson, Steve Schaefer, and Ted Horan, seeks to secure funding that advocates say is critical for maintaining educational quality in the district.
The “Vote Yes Moorhead” campaign includes a diverse group of ten leaders, with approximately 100 additional volunteers expressing interest in supporting the cause. Halvorson indicated that the group has engaged with parent-teacher organizations, conducted community presentations, and plans to participate in the Spuds homecoming parade on September 19, 2025. Early voting for the special election begins at the district office on the same day, with in-person voting scheduled for November 4, 2025.
Halvorson emphasized the importance of this initiative for the future generation of students in Moorhead. “We want this next generation of Spuds to have the resources they need to thrive,” she stated. The campaign follows a previous referendum that was narrowly rejected by voters last year, resulting in over $4 million in budget cuts for the 2025-26 academic year.
The need for this campaign arose after community members, including Horan, expressed shock at the earlier defeat. “Afterward, we were like, we need to step up and encourage the district to consider another run at this,” he said. Unlike last year’s effort, this campaign has mobilized community advocacy to support the upcoming vote.
If the referendum does not pass, the district anticipates further cuts totaling an additional $5 million. According to Halvorson, these cuts could lead to larger class sizes and diminished student opportunities. The Moorhead school board authorized the funding request in July, which features two distinct proposals.
The first proposal seeks an operating levy to raise $4.37 million annually, equating to $575 per pupil. This funding would support the district’s operating budget, covering salaries, supplies, program costs, utilities, and routine maintenance. The second question proposes a capital projects levy, aiming to generate $1.5 million each year for capital, technology, and transportation needs. Both levies would remain in effect for 10 years, collectively raising $58.7 million.
Halvorson argued that approving both questions could provide essential stability to the school district and help avoid further cuts. If both proposals are approved, homeowners with a median property value of $250,000 would see an increase of $23.74 in monthly property taxes starting in 2026.
The district has not sought an operating levy since 2005, and its current levy of $224 per student is significantly below the state average of $1,200, as noted by Superintendent Brandon Lunak. Schaefer highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “It’s right there at the lowest level of almost any school district in the state.” Should both levies pass, Moorhead’s total levy would rise to $799 per student, two-thirds of the state average.
The context of this funding request is critical, as the budget challenges faced by Moorhead are reflective of broader issues within Minnesota’s education system. The state has reduced its contributions toward general education by 18% since 2005 when adjusted for inflation, all while introducing new mandates and increasing educational expectations.
In response to criticism that the district is seeking funds due to overspending on the new high school, Horan clarified that bonds are allocated for buildings while levies fund educational resources. “We’ve made the investment in these buildings. Let’s ensure that what we’re doing inside the space is representative of the excellence we’ve come to expect,” he said.
Early voting will be available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Moorhead Area Public Schools District Office, located at 1313 30th Ave. S., from September 19 through November 3. Extended voting hours will be offered on select Mondays. Absentee ballot voting is also an option for those unable to vote in person. Additional information regarding the district’s financial situation, tax implications, and voting procedures can be accessed on the referendum website, Vote152.org.
