Slayton, MN -- At its July 14 regular school board meeting, the Murray County Central School Board voted unanimously to hold a special election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, asking residents to consider an operating levy increase (revoke and replace) to support the continued outcomes, expectations, and quality of Murray County Central Schools.
The proposal reflects a shared approach to school funding, balancing district budget reductions with a request for increased community investment. If approved, the estimated tax impact would be approximately $14.25 per month ($171 per year) for a home valued at $150,000.
To help address ongoing budget challenges, the district has already identified and made cuts/reductions for the 2025-26 school year, including not filling positions due to retirements/ resignations, issuing nonrenewals for teaching contracts and community education staff, reductions to some hourly staff, reductions in transportation, and adding additional responsibilities to administration to absorb some of the duties of reduced staff.
If voters approve the levy, the additional funding would help attract and retain high quality teachers and staff, maintain current academic and extracurricular programs, sustain appropriate class sizes, and continue offering valuable programs such as Career, Technical and College ready opportunities at the high school level.
“The school board carefully considered the current economic challenges balanced with the needs of our students and ultimately concluded that we must invest in our students’ education,” said Superintendent Joe Meyer. “This shared approach of district budget cuts combined with an increased operating levy from the community will allow Murray County Central Public Schools to continue its tradition of excellence in preparing students for the future.
The decision to request support from district voters was based on a thorough review of short and long-term financial projections and planning discussions about inadequate state funding andunfunded mandates: State funding is not keeping pace with inflation or increasing educational costs. If state funding had simply kept pace with inflation, Murray County Central Schools would receive an additional $1,837 per student or approximately $1.35+ annually. No additional operating levy would be needed.
● Unfunded or underfunded mandates by the state and federal governments mean additional funding is needed from local taxpayers to pay for the required programs.
● MCC’s current voter-approved operating levy is third to the bottom of area schools with a levy. While MCC’s levy is currently at $626 per student, Adrian’s levy is $1,064, Heron Lake-Okabena’s is $1,303, Westbrook-Walnut Grove’s is $1,450, and Fulda’s is $2,300.
If the request is not approved, the district will face additional budget cuts for the 2026-2027 school year above and beyond the current cuts, resulting in class size increases through teacher layoffs, cuts to school and district support services, and cuts to academics, activities, athletic and music programs.
“I have been impressed with the community support for Murray County Central Schools over the years and all the ways the community encourages our students,” said Superintendent Meyer. “The School Board and I look forward to sharing how support for this referendum will help us continue to achieve our mission of providing educational excellence and working together to develop successful learners.”
The last time there was vote to increase funds to Murray County Central’s operating levy was in 2006.
Votes in 2010 and 2019 were to renew the current levy amount taxed.
Community meetings will be scheduled for the fall to provide additional information and to answer questions regarding the November 4th ballot question.
For more information regarding the operating levy referendum, please visit https://shorturl. at/dNNE7.
