Daily Bulletin
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
A Day
The Cardinal Community Plan - Alexandria Public Schools Operating Levy
On November 3, district voters will consider an operating levy to stabilize our budget and support the essential curriculum, programming, and staff that keep our schools strong. If approved, the levy would allow our district to leverage a new state aid program to bring seasonal recreation property tax dollars back into our district. It would provide $3.7 million each year ($2,225 per student) for 10 years. Thanks to a new state program, half of the proposed operating levy would be paid by the state rather than by local property owners if voters approve the referendum in November.
On Monday, October 12, Superintendent Rick Sansted will share information on the “why and what” behind the operating levy request. The 30 minute presentation will begin at 7pm in the District Office, Oak Conference Room, 1410 S McKay Ave., Ste. 201. There will be time at the end for questions.
The district is also partnering with the Echo Press on a five-part series around the need, the opportunity, what happens if it passes, what happens if it fails, and voting information. Part I on the need establishes key financial information on the need for a new operating levy. The article was published in the Echo Press on Friday, September 18. You can read it here.
Without new funding, the district will be forced to make tough decisions that will threaten the quality of education, which could include:
Cuts to academics, electives, unique community programming, and essential student support services
Reducing 15-20 staff positions
Raising activity fees
Eliminating or greatly reducing middle school activities
Significant changes to our neighborhood elementary school model, which could include closing one or more schools, and would impact students, families, and staff
If the referendum is not approved, district leaders will create a detailed plan to determine where budget reductions will be made.
Having the facts will help you decide on this important vote. You can also learn more about the referendum and early voting options at CardinalCommunityPlan.org.
Junior students,
Every year AAHS offers the PSAT to Junior students. The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT and is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT measures critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing skills. If you are a strong standardized test-taker (top 5-10%) and consider yourself academically above average, this is a good option for you.
Check it out at: PSAT
The test is Thursday, October 22 (approx. 8:25a.m.-12:00p.m.) and costs $18. If interested, stop by the College & Career Center to register and pay by Monday, October 12. Please note that there are only 20 tests available, so sign up will be on a first come first serve basis.
Note: Typically, to advance in the National Merit Scholarship competition, students need to earn scores on the PSAT that put them in the top 1-2% nation-wide.
If you have any questions please stop in to the College and Career Center.
Carrie Urness
College/Military Visits
Scholarships
Please visit the AAHS College and Career Center Scholarship page here.
A binder is located in the College and Career Center with information from area businesses who are looking for employees.
Alexandria Area High School
Email: smschmidt@alexschools.org
Website: www.alexschools.org/aahs
Location: 4300 Pioneer Rd SE, Alexandria, MN 56308
Phone: 320-762-2142