Thank You!

With your continuing commitment to the children of Saint Paul we'll be able to continue critical programs and services such as:

• Pre-kindergarten, all-day kindergarten, and Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
• Increased math and reading support in elementary schools
• Reduced class sizes for math and science in middle and high schools
• Services for special education and English language learners
• Plus we'll be able to accelerate our investment in technology to increase student achievement through personalized learning

2012 Referendum for Strong Schools, Strong Communities
On Tuesday, November 6, 2012, the voters of Saint Paul approved the Saint Paul Public School District's 2012 Strong Schools, Strong Communities excess property tax levy referendum. The measure received more than a 60 percent majority. The referendum will provide revenue to continue the progress we have made around better preparing elementary students for success and secondary students for higher education. Equally important is investing in our students’ future by empowering teachers with tools to deliver technology-enhanced instruction that meets the varied learning needs of students. Watch the video below for more about the referendum.

2012 REFERENDUM AT-A-GLANCE

• $39 million annually in critical revenue, with an increase for innovative instructional technology to improve student engagement and learning
• Homeowners of median-priced home ($149,000) experience a monthly property tax increase of $5.10 for a total of $61 a year
• Eight-year request to benefit students through 2020-2021 school year
• Remains one of the lowest levies in the state

REFERENDUM FUNDING WILL PROVIDE:
CONTINUED EARLY EDUCATION/SCHOOL READINESS - $10M

• Pre-Kindergarten and all-day kindergarten
• Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
• Discovery Club before- and after-school care

CONTINUED K-12 EDUCATIONAL CLASS IMPACTS - $14M

• Increased elementary math and reading staff
• Reduced secondary class sizes
• More guidance counselors for secondary students

CONTINUED SPECIALIZED LEARNING - $6M

• Special Education services not funded by the State of Minnesota
• English Language Learners services and support

LEARNING TRANSFORMED BY NEW TECHNOLOGY - $9M
Improve student learning and engagement through technology – supported instruction in all schools - see Learning transformed by Technology

TOTAL - $39 million

2012 REFERENDUM GOALS
Saint Paul Public Schools is proud of its students’ progress over the past six years thanks to voter-approved 2006 referendum funds. The positive academic momentum of our students requires that funding for these programs and services continues:
ACHIEVEMENT

• Accelerated student achievement in reading, math, and science
• Continued progress toward eliminating all achievement gaps
• Stronger student engagement leading to higher achievement and graduation rates

ALIGNMENT

• Continued access for more than 1,000 students to prepare for kindergarten
• Continued all-day kindergarten available for all students
• Learning opportunities tailored to unique student needs
• Equitable access to technology-supported personalized learning

SUSTAINABILITY

• Stable funds for key programs that ensure academic achievement for all
• Attract more students with innovative and rigorous learning opportunities

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