Voters approve district technology levy, bond issue request

Edina School District voters approved a 10-year, $7 million technology levy and a $7 million bond issue in a special election held yesterday. A total of 5,448 votes were cast:

$7 million, 10-year Technology Levy

Yes - 3,853
No - 1,593

$7 million Bond Issue

Yes - 3,825
No - 1,617

(*Note that totals differ because some voters split their vote and did not vote on both questions.)

“We are grateful to the community for the approval of these important funding requests,” said Superintendent John Schultz. “The Edina community has a long history of support for its students and teachers, and this vote is further proof of that. We thank voters for their ongoing trust.”

The technology levy represents a renewal of the current $6.5 million levy with an increase of $500,000. The current 10-year levy expires June 30, 2022. The technology levy provides financial support in all aspects of the school district, including classroom and curricular technology, infrastructure and security, facility operations, and also funds all or part of numerous employee positions.

Funds from the bond issue are earmarked for four specific facilities improvements: expansion of current bus garage to accommodate additional special education buses; changes to Creek Valley and Countryside elementary bus and parking areas to provide separation of cars and buses and enhance safety; and adjustments and enhancements to Valley View Middle School parking and drop off area. Work on these projects would begin in summer 2022.