Frequently asked questions

Questions about the plan

  • Pine River-Backus School District residents will vote on a 2.75% capital projects levy on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The levy would provide approximately $896,000 per year for 10 years to fund essential repairs and upgrades to school buildings, invest in technology, and keep our vehicle fleet current.

  • A capital projects levy is a local property tax approved by voters to pay for infrastructure, transportation, and technology. This tax is shared among all properties in the district, lowering the tax burden on homeowners. 

  • The capital projects levy would help us keep our schools and vehicle fleet in good condition and support our technology needs. If approved by voters, the funding would be used to:

    • Replace all our aging roofs

    • Update HVAC systems

    • Replace and maintain our school buses and passenger vans

    • Update old windows and flooring

    • Invest in technology equipment and staff 

    This funding would cover essential capital improvement needs without impacting funding for other priorities, like educational programming, student support and staffing.


    For more information, visit the Plan page.

  • We’ve managed our budget carefully, but state funding can’t keep up with the needs of our aging buildings, rising construction costs, inflation, and new state mandates. We face immediate repairs and growing needs to maintain our buildings, vehicles and technology. These projects cost more than what we have in our current operating budget and maintenance plan. If we invest now, we can avoid more costly fixes later.

    For more information, visit the Challenges page.

  • Our challenges aren’t going away. We will still need to pay for building repairs, upgrades to our vehicle fleet and technology support. If the referendum fails, our school board and district leaders will evaluate how to fund these critical projects, which projects can be delayed, and how these will affect our day-to-day operations.

Questions about the planning process

  • This plan is based on our 10-year facilities maintenance plan, which focuses on key priorities and investments needed in our buildings. School board members, district leaders, and the facilities and technology teams worked together to prioritize the needs and determine the proposed funding plan to support them.

  • The budget year begins on July 1, 2025, so knowing if this additional financial support is available will help us plan responsibly for our next budget cycle.

Questions about the Cost

  • If approved, the 2.75% capital projects levy would provide $896,000 per year for 10 years.

  • A $300,000 home in our district would see a property tax increase of $6 per month starting in 2026. Use our Tax Calculator to estimate the impact on your property taxes.

  • Our district has the lowest tax rates compared to nearby school districts. We work hard to keep taxes low while providing a quality education and keeping our buildings in good condition. If voters approve the 2.75% capital projects levy on April 8, 2025, we will still have one of the lowest tax rates in the area.

    To see a tax comparison, visit the Cost page. 

  • State law requires the district to use the funds from the capital projects levy for the projects listed on the ballot. These include roofing, HVAC, transportation and technology.

    For more information, visit the Plan page.

  • No. If approved, the capital projects levy would expire after 10 years.

  • State funding is not keeping pace with the costs of running a school and meeting the educational needs of our students. Even though state funding increased in 2023, new mandates limit how schools use it. 

Questions about Voting

  • Election Day is Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Polls will be open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Residents may cast their ballot at Pine River City Hall, 200 Front Street, Pine River, MN 56474.

    For more information, visit the Vote page.

  • Early voting begins on Friday, February 21. District residents may vote by absentee ballot, in person or by mail.

    For more information, visit the Vote page.