Fargo School Levy: District Seeks 110 Mill Approval

Fargo Public Schools is asking voters to approve a 110 mill general fund levy in the Nov. 3 election.

The ballot question asks if the district should maintain a general fund levy of 110.00 mills effective Dec. 31, 2027. The district’s current general fund levy stands at 127 mills, a rate that funds daily operations and staff salaries. Superintendent Dr. Cory Steiner stated that approving the measure would not raise taxes but would allow the district to continue its current operations. He described the move as a continuation of a practice the district has followed for years.

Steiner explained that the levy revenue flows into the general fund. According to the superintendent, 80% of that fund covers salary and benefits. The remaining 20% pays for software, technology, transportation for programs, and supplies. The ballot text notes that the current statutory general fund limitation is 70 mills on the dollar of taxable valuation.

The district’s frequently asked questions page outlines the financial mechanics of the vote. A yes vote means the district receives tax dollars based on the true assessed value of individual property. A no vote freezes the district at the actual property tax dollars collected in the 2027-28 fiscal year. In that scenario, the district would not receive additional general fund tax dollars as the city grows or property values change. The district warns that a failed vote would directly impact programming and services. It would require budget adjustments, including cuts, reductions, and reorganizations to programs, staffing, and services.

Steiner argued that not passing the levy would force the district to play catch-up with its budget. “Great school districts always are looking forward and they’re very nimble, and able to adapt to the needs of their community and the needs their families, and the needs of their learners. If we don’t pass it, it will just cause us to have to look backwards more instead of forward because it means we’re going to have continually to play catch-up with our budget,” he said.

The 110 mill figure stems from a 2017 approval of a 127 mill excess levy. For the 2025-26 school year, the school board structured its general fund levy authority into separate levies as allowed by law. This structure includes 109.98 mills for the general fund, 12 mills for the miscellaneous fund, and 4.8 mills for the tuition fund. The district is seeking a lower excess mill levy than the previous authorization because of this restructuring. The miscellaneous fund and tuition fund mills will continue outside of this specific excess mill levy.

The vote is scheduled for the general election on Nov. 3. If approved, the new 110 mill rate becomes effective on Dec. 31, 2027.