Duluth schools mail 42,000 postcards to gauge levy support

Duluth Public Schools mailed more than 42,000 postcards last week as it tests whether voters will back an operational levy that could help close a $4.2 million budget gap for the 2026-2027 school year. The survey asks residents to weigh in on capital plans, student supports and whether they would support a levy that preserves or expands staffing and programming.

The postcard outreach is open through July 17, giving taxpayers a short window to respond before leaders shape a possible ballot question. The effort is part of broader planning for the coming school year and beyond.

Rising costs have outpaced state and federal funding. Insurance premiums alone increased 15%, while inflation, health insurance, transportation, unfunded legislative mandates and growing special education costs have all pushed spending higher. Enrollment has remained relatively stable, but that has not shielded the district from the financial strain.

District officials finalized a budget-reduction plan on April 21, 2026, after a staff displacement process that wrapped up that month. Feedback from students, staff and families had already led to changes in that plan.

Duluth Public Schools must keep its budget balanced each school year to avoid statutory operating debt. Operating levies require voter approval and can be used for operational expenses, while bond levies are limited to construction and additions. If voters reject a future operating levy, more cuts could follow, with effects reaching staffing, course offerings and student support programs.

The outreach is being shared across school sites, including the district homepage and individual school websites, while the Duluth School Board continues public discussion of the budget in work sessions, committee meetings and listening sessions scheduled in July.