The Murray County Central School District will hold a special election on Tuesday, November 4, asking district voters to weigh in on a critical school funding question and consider an increase to the district’s operating levy. This proposal aims to provide the additional financial resources necessary to maintain the strong academic and extracurricular programs currently offered to students. It also addresses the ongoing challenges of unfunded and underfunded state mandates, inflation, and other rising costs.
The proposal would revoke the current $626 per pupil authorization and replace it with a $1,310 per pupil authorization, tied to inflation. The measure would generate an additional $685 per pupil annually to support day-to-day operations such as staffing, classroom instruction, transportation, supplies, utilities, and other critical costs to operating our schools. The proposed new authorization would be applicable for 10 years unless otherwise revoked or reduced. If approved, the new tax impact would be $171 per year ($14.25 per month) on a home/property valued at $150,000. Agricultural land is not taxed on an operating levy question. Only the house, garage and one acre.
The district’s last operating levy increase was approved in 2006—nearly two decades ago. Since that time, the costs of providing high-quality educational opportunities have continued to rise, while state funding has not kept pace with inflation or the growing expectations placed on schools. Districts like MCC are now required to meet a number of new state mandates—many related to special services, student mental health support, curriculum updates, school safety, and other legislation—without corresponding increases in state funding.
Superintendent Joe Meyer noted that these mandates, while important for student success and well-being, place a significant financial strain on the district’s general fund. “Each year, we are required to do more with less,” Meyer said. “Our teachers and staff continue to provide exceptional learning experiences for our students, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to sustain our current programs without additional local support.”
The Murray County Central School Board has been careful and deliberate in bringing this request forward. Over the past several years, the board has closely monitored expenditures, sought efficiencies in operations, and made budget reductions to minimize the impact on taxpayers. “The School Board takes very seriously their responsibility to be good stewards of public funds,” said Meyer. “They’ve worked hard to maintain strong programs and opportunities for students while keeping costs down. However, the financial pressures have reached a point where we need to ask our community for help to sustain what we have.”
Approximately $400,000 was cut from the 2025-26 budget to reduce expenses. These cuts were made by issuing non-renewals for teaching and non-teaching staff positions and not filling vacancies left by retirements/resignations. Other cuts were made to some hourly staff, athletics/activities, and transportation while required duties have been picked up by existing staff. Meyer stated “We can’t continue to cut our way to long term success”.
If approved, the levy increase would provide stable funding to maintain existing academic programs, manageable class sizes, student services, extracurricular activities, and technology support—ensuring that Murray County Central students continue to receive the quality education they deserve.
District residents are encouraged to learn more about the proposal by visiting the MCC website www.mcc.mntm.org, attending the community information session on October 22, or calling the school. A tax impact calculator is available on the website to provide the estimated tax impact for anyone who owns residential homesteads, apartments, or commercial-industrial property. Ag property will pay taxes for the proposed referendum based only on the value of the house, garage, and one acre. Seasonal recreational residential property will pay no taxes for the proposed referendum.
The special election will take place on Tuesday, November 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Slayton Senior Center. Early voting is also available at the MCC District Office Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. until November 3.
As Superintendent Meyer summarized, “This levy is about maintaining the level of excellence our community expects and our students deserve. We are not looking to add new programs—just to preserve what we have and keep Murray County Central strong for the future.”
Key Facts: MCC Operating Levy Special Election
Election Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Voting Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Polling Location: Slayton Senior Center
Early Voting: MCC District Office, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Purpose: To maintain current educational programs, extracurricular opportunities, and student services amid rising costs and underfunded state mandates.
Last Levy Increase: 2006
For more information, visit the Murray County Central School District website www.mcc.mntm.org or contact the district office, 507-836-6575.