549 UNITED
Bringing State Dollars Home for Our Schools
Perham-Dent Public Schools 2026 Operating Levy
Perham-Dent Public Schools provide a strong, well-rounded education supported by a community that shows up for its students. We take pride in the excellent educational opportunities we provide and the achievements of our outstanding students.
On Tuesday, November 3, the school board is asking voters to consider a new way to bring state dollars home for our students and offset existing property taxes through an operating levy. New funding would support the day-to-day components of education, including academics, student services, activities, and the teachers and staff who make it all possible.
What makes this plan different is a new Minnesota program designed for school districts like ours. The Seasonal Recreation Tax Base Replacement Aid program allows our school district to receive state aid equal to up to 50% of a voter-approved operating levy because of the high amount of cabin and vacation home property in our area. This means Perham-Dent can unlock new state revenue and reduce existing local levies, providing tax relief to local taxpayers.
If approved by voters, the 549 United plan would:
Generate $1,135 per student, or about $745,965 in new revenue for the district each year for the next 10 years — with close to half of that funding coming directly from the State of Minnesota.
Support academics, student services, activities, and the teachers and staff who make Perham-Dent Schools strong.
Reduce other local levies, so most residents will see an overall decrease in their school-related property taxes.
Voters will decide on or before Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Early voting begins Friday, September 18, 2026.
Explore this page to learn more about the proposed plan, what it means for our students, the tax impact and how to make your voice heard on Election Day. Have a question or an idea? Connect With Us.
The Tax Impact
The proposed operating levy is designed to bring more state funding back to Perham-Dent Schools while reducing the local tax impact. If approved by voters this November, the operating levy will generate $1,135 per student, or about $745,965 in new revenue for the district per year for the next 10 years. Thanks to a new program in Minnesota, the state would pay for half of the approved levy amount, significantly easing the burden on local taxpayers.
Because the school board has committed to reducing existing local levies, most residents and businesses will see an overall decrease in their school-related property taxes.
View the Tax Impact study.
For a home valued at $400,000, the estimated tax impact is a decrease of about $13 per year. Local businesses would also see a reduction in their school-related property taxes. Taxes on seasonal recreation properties would remain unchanged.
Voting Information
Make Your Voice Heard!
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Absentee ballot voting (in person or via mail) is available starting Friday, Sept. 18 at Otter Tail Government Services Center (510 W. Fir Ave. in Fergus Falls).
Early in-person voting begins Friday, Oct. 16.
You can vote on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3) at your regular polling location.