Residents of the Inver Grove Heights School District (ISD 199) will be asked to vote on a levy renewal question on the ballot this Election Day, November 3, 2026. They will also vote on three school board seats that are up for election. 

The Capital Projects Levy renewal, which would have no additional tax impacts, is intended to continue providing and maintaining up-to-date learning tools for students.

“Since 2017, the Capital Projects Levy has helped the district ensure that students are prepared for the careers of tomorrow,” ISD 199 School Board Chair Carrie Lounsberry said. “The levy allows us to stabilize our finances enough to plan for required curriculum purchases and learning tool maintenance without dipping into our limited general fund and risking an increase to class sizes.”

Tools for the Future

“Whether I’m in a classroom, at a band concert, or in the community, I can see the positive impact of our students having access to updated learning tools,” Board Chair Lounsberry said. “Students are finding careers that fit them, and having access to hands-on career tools, updated curriculum, and engaging classroom technology makes all the difference.”

In addition to purchasing and maintaining curriculum and learning materials, levy funds will continue to help the district maintain classroom furniture and large musical instruments so every child has an opportunity to engage and develop their core life skills.

No New Taxes Today

Renewing the Capital Projects Levy would not result in a tax increase. ISD 199 will be able to afford the purchase and maintenance of crucial learning tools without needing to increase class sizes or taxes. 

“Inver Grove Heights Schools has been intentional about its financial stewardship,” Superintendent Dave Bernhardson said. “Over the past 10 years, the district has strategically refinanced building debt to save taxpayers more than $5 million in property taxes. We do whatever we can to lighten the financial burden on our community, and we do not take their support for granted.” 

ISD 199’s goal is always to remain efficient while supporting its students. The district’s “per student” amount is currently the lowest of its surrounding school districts, and it would remain the lowest even if voters approve this November’s Capital Projects Levy renewal question.

Impact to students

The question would not increase the Capital Projects Levy portion of local property taxes. Funds would allow the district to purchase and maintain learning tools like curriculum, career and technical tools, classroom technology and furniture, and large musical instruments that prepare students for the future. Without raising taxes, it would also allow the district to avoid negative impacts, like increased class sizes, just to fund those crucial, and often required, learning tools and materials.

Cost to taxpayers

The proposed renewal would result in no additional property taxes. The district has deliberately kept its levies low by operating as efficiently as possible. 

More information about the levy renewal will be posted in the coming weeks on the district's website, www.isd199.org, and the district will mount an intensive information campaign so voters can learn more about the renewal and make an informed decision. 

For more information, please contact the district at 651-306-7199 or info@isd199.org.