Our Opportunity
The 549 United Investment Plan
The 549 United Plan reflects our district's commitment to responsible planning and investments in our students and their futures. This November, the school board will ask voters to consider a new opportunity to access $745,965 in new revenue to support school operations, while also reducing local school property taxes. These dollars will go toward things our community values, like small class sizes, essential student services, and strong academic and extracurricular programs.
Thanks to a new state program, close to half of the proposed voter-approved operating levy would be paid by the State of Minnesota. This funding would allow our district to invest in classroom education, maintain student programs, and support our teachers and staff.
If approved, the operating levy would provide stable, long-term support for classroom instruction, student programs and activities, and the day-to-day operations that keep Perham-Dent Schools strong.
How We Got Here
Perham-Dent has long been cautious about asking voters for a new operating levy, working instead to protect programs through careful, transparent budgeting.
A new Minnesota program changed that: because seasonal recreation properties make up more than 15% of our tax base, the district can now access state aid covering up to 50% of a voter-approved levy — bringing new revenue home at no added cost to local taxpayers.
After reviewing district finances and consulting financial advisors, the board built a plan that maximizes state support and delivers a tax decrease for residents, then voted to place it on the November 3, 2026 ballot.