Barnes County North (NewsDakota.com)
WIMBLEDON, N.D. (KFGO/NewsDakota.com) – The Barnes County North School District will be asking voters to consider approval of a 20-mill levy increase to the district’s general fund for a period of eight years.
The district says the additional funds would provide the financial stability to maintain current educational programs, staffing, and services for students.
Superintendent Andrew Currie said over the next eight years, Barnes County North is facing a deficit, primarily due to the district’s ongoing bond and interest payments for the building, which account for nearly 20% of the district’s annual expenditures, and continued increases in salaries, supplies, and transportation costs.
At the same time, reductions in state transition funding and new legislative restraints have placed additional strain on district finances, Currie said.
The first community informational session will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the Barnes County North School. The public is encouraged to attend and learn more about the proposal, which will be on the June 9, 2026 ballot.
If approved, the 20-mill increase—equal to approximately $700,000 per year—will allow Barnes County North to maintain small class sizes, preserve quality programs, and protect student opportunities.
The 20-mill increase would remain in place for eight years, giving the district time to pay down its bond obligations and rebuild a balanced budget for the future.
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