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Fall 2026 Operating Levy Referendum for Learning
Due to state funding not keeping pace with inflation and costs that continue to increase faster than revenues, Duluth Public Schools is nearing a financial crisis. The school board unanimously approved two referendum questions for the Nov. 3 General Election:
QUESTION 1: Protects student learning by addressing current and future deficits
QUESTION 2: Prepares us for the future; buys time to right-size, stabilize.
Learn more by visiting isd709.org/referendum
News & Announcements
![Person writing in a notebook beside a laptop on a desk.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1788988094/isd709org/mtvjwfubcxxudlwwhvrq/ROARWebpost1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1788988094/isd709org/mtvjwfubcxxudlwwhvrq/ROARWebpost1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1788988094/isd709org/mtvjwfubcxxudlwwhvrq/ROARWebpost1.jpg","width":800}])
This fall, high school students in grades 9–12 will take part in a short reading assessment called the Rapid Online Assessment of Reading (ROAR). Developed by researchers at Stanford University, ROAR is a free, game-like online tool designed to measure foundational skills—including word recognition, decoding, and reading efficiency—in a low-stress format.
![Modern school building with colorful stripes and text overlay.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765383582/isd709org/mgsshvtkgdwdw9gz3yet/MoodysRatingsWebPost.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765383582/isd709org/mgsshvtkgdwdw9gz3yet/MoodysRatingsWebPost.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765383582/isd709org/mgsshvtkgdwdw9gz3yet/MoodysRatingsWebPost.jpg","width":800}])
Moody’s Ratings recently announced an adjustment to Duluth Public Schools’ credit rating, moving our issuer and general obligation debt rating from A3 to Baa2.
![A smiling student with a backpack in the foreground is contrasted with text about protecting student learning and preparing for the future in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786053498/isd709org/amwcmi9o1zerz1j0mrxu/2026ReferendumGraphic1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786053498/isd709org/amwcmi9o1zerz1j0mrxu/2026ReferendumGraphic1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786053498/isd709org/amwcmi9o1zerz1j0mrxu/2026ReferendumGraphic1.png","width":800}])
The Duluth School Board voted unanimously Wednesday to ask voters to consider an operating referendum on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot, a proposal district leaders say is necessary to protect student learning while providing time to address long-term financial challenges.
![A laughing young girl in a classroom is featured on the left, with the Duluth Public Schools logo and a call to action on the right.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781287215/isd709org/hcph7q3za01xuvrbh1kr/ReferendumSurveyWebpost.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781287215/isd709org/hcph7q3za01xuvrbh1kr/ReferendumSurveyWebpost.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781287215/isd709org/hcph7q3za01xuvrbh1kr/ReferendumSurveyWebpost.png","width":800}])
Because your voice is vital for the future of Duluth Public Schools, we are exploring a community referendum and are asking you to take our Needs and Potential Referendum Feedback Survey.
![The image contains various graphical elements related to Duluth Public Schools, including a calculator, a pie chart, and bar graphs displaying data and statistics.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774388885/isd709org/hxjmz3gf5qjjaf0an1rv/BudgetWebNewsPost.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774388885/isd709org/hxjmz3gf5qjjaf0an1rv/BudgetWebNewsPost.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774388885/isd709org/hxjmz3gf5qjjaf0an1rv/BudgetWebNewsPost.jpg","width":800}])
As part of our annual budget review, the district is adjusting restricted funds—specifically state and federal allocations for targeted programming—to align with shifting funding levels.
![Be SMART gun storage flyer. Secure guns, model safety, ask neighbors, recognize risks, tell peers. BeSmartForKids.org]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780089461/isd709org/tkypmsjxqvfu9a0w0mvs/BeSmartSafeGunStorageWebPost.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780089461/isd709org/tkypmsjxqvfu9a0w0mvs/BeSmartSafeGunStorageWebPost.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780089461/isd709org/tkypmsjxqvfu9a0w0mvs/BeSmartSafeGunStorageWebPost.png","width":800}])
This summer, our community leaders encourage all Duluth adults to help protect Duluth kids through secure gun storage.
Upcoming Events
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District Services Center, 709 Portia Johnson Dr, Duluth, MN 55811, USA
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Myers-Wilkins Elementary School, 1027 N 8th Ave E, Duluth, MN 55805, USA
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Duluth Central Education Services, 424 W. 1st St., Duluth, MN
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Duluth Central Education Services, 424 W 1st St, Duluth, MN 55802
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Duluth Public Schools, 709 Portia Johnson Dr, Duluth, MN 55811, USA
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Duluth Public Schools, 709 Portia Johnson Dr, Duluth, MN 55811, USA
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Lowell Elementary School, 2000 Rice Lake Rd, Duluth, MN 55811, USA
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District Services Center, 709 Portia Johnson Dr, Duluth, MN 55811, USA