Frequently Asked Questions

If the capital projects levy is approved, homeowners will see a slight increase in their property taxes. However, because capital project levies are taxed at a different rate than operating levies, the impact to homeowners is lower than commercial/industrial properties, thus lessening the burden on homeowners. To see how the capital projects levy for technology will impact your property taxes go to this tax calculator.

While the impact of the recent funding for public education from the Minnesota Legislature was welcomed and provided short-term relief, years of underfunding and new unfunded mandates have increased costs for school districts. The increase in funding does not cover the costs of the new programs and requirements also created by the state. 

The funds generated from this local capital projects levy for technology would provide greater financial stability for the district while limiting future budget reductions.

Unlike an operating levy, a capital projects levy is not tied to enrollment but to the “net tax capacity” of the district, which is calculated depending on property class (e.g. homes, commercial/industrial, agricultural, etc.). Therefore, the amount levied by the capital projects levy for technology is not influenced by the number of enrolled students, but rather by the value of properties within the district.

Property owners within BCCS will see a slight increase in property taxes. To determine how much your taxes will be impacted, use this tax calculator.

You may be eligible for tax relief.

• Homeowners or renters may qualify for Minnesota’s Property Tax Refund programs, the Homestead Credit Refund (for Homeowners) and the Renter’s Property Tax Refund.

• The Special Property Tax Refund for Homeowners can be applied to all homesteaded properties that experience a net property tax increase of 12% or $100 over the prior year.

• Senior citizens with a household income of $96,000 or less may qualify for the Senior Citizens' Property Tax Deferral Program.
   

• A property tax credit, “Ag2School,” can provide owners of agricultural property with a credit for the taxes attributable to school district debt service. Property tax programs are also available for veterans, neighbors with disabilities, and more. Minnesota’s Property Tax Refund programs.

BCCS is committed to using referendum funds to manage class size, support for STEAM classroom teachers, English language learner support, curriculum, additional academic support, community schools support, and athletics activities.

Yes. The district operates efficiently and maintains a fund balance that would allow us to continue operating temporarily if state funding did not come through on time, which has happened before. 

However, we have had to operate leaner and leaner each year. Two years ago the district made $4 million in reductions to balance the budget. And during the pandemic, the district used Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) from the federal government to finance the creation of a one-to-one student device program to meet the needs of the virtual learning environment. Since ESSER funding ended in 2023 and in order to continue to meet the needs of our virtual world, the district has been funding student devices, technology-related instruction, staff support and training with dollars from the general operating fund. Using general fund dollars for technology-related expenses is not sustainable, which is why the district is asking voters to approve the capital projects levy for technology. 

BCCS uses iPads, Chromebooks, and other digital devices and platforms to enhance the learning experience. Technology is not a replacement for quality teachers and instruction, but rather a tool to extend learning, promote exploration and facilitate collaboration. 

Today’s students live in a digital world and our schools are helping prepare them with the essential skills to navigate technology safely and effectively. After students graduate from BCCS, they will enter into a world and workforce that relies on technology to create work products, access information, and communicate. As we prepare students for that future, increased funds for technology will allow us to teach them how to manage technologies, critically think about information, provide students robust learning experiences, and set them up for success in life after graduation.

No. This levy is not about increasing screen time, it is about using technology resources effectively and efficiently to ensure students have the relevant skills they need to navigate a digital world.

BCCS is building new opportunities for high school students to
engage in courses that best fit their needs and interests. These
new courses and catalog will be focused on career technical
education (CTE) pathways at each of our secondary sites:
Brooklyn Center Secondary STEAM, the Early College Academy,
and Insight Online School of Minnesota. These pathways include
high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology,
engineering, and business.

These pathways provide flexibility in scheduling and diverse
learning options, ensuring that students can tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Whether they are interested in health science, engineering, or the creative arts, BCCS offers a variety of CTE options that allow students to gain real-world experience.

Over the next five years, the district plans to continue expanding and refining this program to meet the evolving needs of our students and community. This includes forging partnerships with local businesses and colleges, offering internships and dual credit opportunities, and staying aligned with industry trends to ensure students are job-ready upon graduation.

If voters approve the Nov. 5 ballot question, some of the funds raised would support the continued development and implementation of these programs, creating even more opportunities for our students to explore their passions and gain real-world experience.

No. The City of Brooklyn Center has two questions on the November ballot, one of which would increase sales taxes within the City. BCCS is a separate governing body and would not receive funds from the City’s referendum. 

When it comes to safety, a quick response makes a difference. Having updated security equipment like building cameras or fobbed access helps prevent safety issues. When a safety concern does arise, the proper security equipment helps make investigations faster and more reliable so the issue can be resolved before it becomes a bigger problem.

No. The capital projects levy can only be used to support the technology-related items as noted in the ballot question, which identifies school district technology, including the acquisition, installation, replacement, support and maintenance of software, software licenses, improved technology equipment and infrastructure, technology systems related to safety and security, and to pay the costs of technology related personnel and training.

No. Capital projects levy can only be used for upgrades to facilities, technology and security projects.

By using these funds for learning technology, infrastructure and security, the district can strategically reinvest its resources to better: 

• empower students with relevant skills for the future,

• support each student’s unique learning journey, and 

enhance the learning environment into a safer, more connected school community.

We want to keep our community and their data safe.

Schools locally and nationwide have been targeted by cyberattacks that have left them paying thousands to remove ransomware or losing student data to criminals. A portion of referendum funds, if approved, would help add an additional layer of cybersecurity to protect the student data entrusted to us. It would also allow us to keep pace with evolving protection needs.