The beginning of the school year always brings excitement. It is great to see more staff and students in the building, and with the start of fall sports and activities, the school year will be here shortly. As we look forward to what the 2025-26 school year will bring, we are continuing to prioritize communication and making sure all families and students have what they need for a successful start to the year. We also want to ensure that our community members are informed and have the information they need to stay engaged with Triton Public Schools.
As you may recall, Triton Schools conducted a community survey through School Perceptions this summer. We wanted to gather additional information on what we needed to improve and what we are doing well through the community lens. Part of this survey was also designed to gather additional input on a potential tax increase to help meet our budget needs. The Board of Education reviewed survey data and had a presentation from School Perceptions at the July Board Meeting. A Special School Board Meeting was held on Monday, August 4, to discuss and vote on a Resolution for a Capital Project Levy and Special Election on November 4, 2025.
The Resolution for the Capital Project Levy and Special Election was approved at the August 4 meeting. A Capital Project Levy is a voter-approved property tax used to fund specific infrastructure, facility, technology, and transportation improvements. Triton would also need an approved Review and Comment from the Minnesota Department of Education to move forward. If passed, the levy will help us financially by providing the freedom to purchase the items we need while ensuring we are meeting board-approved requirements for our fund balance.
As shared in the survey information, Triton has made substantial budget reductions recently. We want to maintain our current programming, create a plan to move forward, and do so with the input of our community. Based on the survey results, the majority were in support of a tax increase of $650,000 in funding per year, and this was the figure the board approved. If approved, the $650,000 would be authorized for a ten-year term, and the funds would support the following.
● Technology Investments - Staff and student devices, network upgrades, instructional technology, online curriculum, technology staff, and intervention resources.
● Curricular Investments - Updated textbooks and materials.
● Facility Improvements - Deferred maintenance needs throughout the facility.
● Transportation Updates - Replacement of aging buses and vans to ensure a safe, efficient transportation fleet.
I am sure there are plenty of questions at this point on this election and what it means specifically for your unique situation. We are in the process of creating a webpage with detailed information, a tax impact calculator, and answers to questions. We will also be holding community information sessions in Claremont, Dodge Center, and West Concord. Once these dates and meeting times are set, we will be sure to communicate additional details. You should also feel free to contact me directly, and I will do my best to provide you with the information you are requesting.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement!
Luke Lutterman
Triton Public Schools
Superintendent
llutterman@triton.k12.mn.us
(507)418-7530
Together #WEARETRITON
