Based on unofficial election results, voters in the Winona Area Public Schools district have approved the renewal of the district’s Capital Projects Levy.
The unofficial results are:
Yes: 10,166 votes, 62%
No: 6,351 votes, 38%
Results remain unofficial until they are reviewed and certified through the official canvassing process on Thursday, Nov. 12.
The approval renews the Capital Projects Levy for another 10 years while maintaining the existing levy rate. The levy is expected to provide approximately $1.7 million in 2027 for eligible technology, safety, communication and career-ready learning needs.
“We are grateful to everyone who took time to learn about the proposal, ask questions and participate in the election,” Superintendent Brad Berzinski said. “The community’s decision provides a reliable funding source for systems that support nearly every part of the student and staff experience.”
“Public education is a public service that benefits everyone. Strong schools help create strong communities, and we all have a shared interest in their success.”
Capital Projects Levy funding may support cybersecurity, secure entrances, cameras, emergency communication systems, networks, phones and internet service. It may also support digital curriculum, classroom technology, student information systems, devices, maintenance, planned replacement and eligible technology used in Career and Technical Education.
The funding may be spent only on legally eligible purposes included in the voter-approved ballot language. Levy revenue must remain in designated accounts, and annual budgets and purchases will continue to be reviewed publicly by the school board. District finances are also subject to an annual independent audit.
“This support comes with an important responsibility,” Berzinski said. “We are committed to planning carefully, using these resources responsibly and communicating openly about how the funding supports our students, employees and schools.”
Specific future purchases have not been approved. The district will continue to evaluate needs through its public budgeting process and provide updates as plans are developed.
The Capital Projects Levy was first approved by voters in 2016.
This content is sourced from
Winona Area Public Schools (District 861)
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
