Family October 2025 Knight Line

On November 4, our community will make a decision that will shape the future of our schools and community for years to come.

We are at a pivotal moment in our district’s 56-year history. Over the past several years, we have carefully examined every nook and cranny of our budget to ensure we are operating as efficiently and responsibly as possible. To balance our budget, we have already reduced $7.3 million, which equates to 77 staff positions.

And despite media headlines and statements from legislators and the governor touting “unprecedented” and “historic” school funding from the state, STMA did not receive that level of support. The “historic” state funding provided limited relief for our district — allowing us to add back about eight teaching positions after years of reductions.

Despite our careful budgeting, significant cuts, and increased class sizes, we are at a tipping point. The district is asking the community to consider two questions — an operating levy and a bond referendum.

Question 1, the operating levy, would allow us to maintain our current class sizes and programming — not add new staff or programs, but simply preserve what we currently have.
Question 2, the bond, focuses on critical facility and infrastructure needs related to safety and security, technology, maintenance, and academics. These are needs we have had to delay due to budget shortfalls. We included as many of these needs as possible in the bond because the state will cover approximately 60% of the cost during the first few years.

Both questions are not nice-to-have requests — they are need-to-have. Our five-year projected budget is the same as it was five years ago, meaning the past will repeat itself unless we secure additional revenue. Without support from the levy, question one, we anticipate cutting 19–25 teachers next year, another 20–25 the following year, and yet another 20–25 the year after that — totaling approximately 75 additional positions over the next three years---exactly what happened not too long ago when we cut 77 staff members which significantly increased class sizes, reduced high potential and intervention programming, doubled high school activity fees, increased middle school activity fees by 50%, expanded the walk zone, increased high school parking fees, added user credit card fees, and more.

If question two, the bond, does not pass, many of the critical facility and infrastructure needs will have to be funded through the general fund — the same fund that supports teachers, staff, and programming. A failure of this question would also result in additional teacher and staff reductions.

As the election approaches, please make a plan to vote — and if possible, vote early. It is time to show up and exercise your constitutional right. Take a moment to add November 4 to your calendar and encourage your friends, neighbors, and family members to do the same. Early in-person absentee voting is now open at the district office, making it easy to participate.

This message is intended to provide factual information about the upcoming election. It does not suggest how you should vote — rather, it encourages you to use this information to make the decision that is best for you and your family.

Our enrollment is stabilizing, which aligns closely with the most recent demographic study projecting annual growth of 0.2% to 1.0% through 2026. According to October 1, 2025 state reporting data, our current K–12 enrollment is 6,769 students, up from 6,707 on October 1, 2024 — an increase of 62 students, or 0.92%.

Many have inquired how our enrollment could be stabilizing despite the new housing developments and apartments being built across the community. The reason is that we are graduating more students than we are enrolling in kindergarten. For example, this year’s kindergarten class has 409 students, while our grade 12 graduating class has 624 students. That’s a difference of 215 students, with more students leaving the district than entering each year.

Enrollment Facts:

Largest Class: 624 students (grade 12)
Class of 2026: 624 students
Class of 2038: 409 students (kindergarten)
STMA Online: 65 students comprehensive (100% online); 500 students supplemental (up to 50% of classes online)

See the fall enrollment report for additional enrollment information.

We are incredibly proud of our open-enrolled students, who are an essential part of our STMA family. We are grateful they have chosen our district, enriching our schools in countless ways. Their presence helps us offer even more opportunities to all students—opportunities that would not be possible without them.

This year, we are excited to welcome 1,459 students through open enrollment. Our schools have capacity, and all of our buildings remain below their maximum limits. Open-enrolled students are not only valued members of the STMA community, but they also contribute significantly to our funding. Through general education state aid, they generate approximately $13.3 million annually for our schools.

Taxpayers benefit, too! Without open-enrolled students, the property tax levy would increase by approximately $513,000.

In short, open enrollment strengthens our schools, supports our taxpayers, and ensures that every student—no matter where they come from—can thrive as part of the STMA family.

On November 11, we honor Veterans Day—a time to recognize and appreciate the tremendous service and sacrifice of those who have served in the armed forces.

In accordance with state statute, at least one hour of our school day will be dedicated to this observance. STMA will provide meaningful instruction to learners in grades k-12 to ensure students understand and appreciate the contributions of our veterans. In addition, we will hold an assembly at the high school to honor and celebrate our veterans’ courage, dedication, and service.

We are deeply grateful to all members of the armed services for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice. Their example inspires us every day to lead with integrity, compassion, and pride.

Student and staff safety is our highest priority. When inclement weather has the potential to impact the safety of students and staff, we take immediate action. We rely upon many professional resources to guide the decision to close, delay, or dismiss school early. We actively monitor weather conditions by collaborating with the National Weather Service, Vision Transportation, St. Michael and Albertville Public Works, neighboring school districts, and our own school staff. We keep families and staff updated through media outlets, automated calls, emails, texts, the district website, and via social media. Knowing winter is fast approaching, it is wise to develop a plan in advance of inclement weather.

Please remember, the first two days that are canceled due to inclement weather will be designated as no school days. After that, STMA Flex Learning (AKA e-learning) days may be used. See Flex Learning on the STMA website for additional information regarding the STMA Flex Learning Plan.

To familiarize yourself with our inclement weather procedures, click here to visit the district website.