Anoka-Hennepin School District

Parents in Anoka-Hennepin School District are appealing a judge’s ruling that denied their petition to place school funding questions on the fall ballot. The court agreed with the district, stating that the school board maintains the power to call a special election regarding necessary funding decisions. The parent group has filed an appeal and requested an expedited process.

Anoka-Hennepin teachers face uncertainty as the district delays approval of a new social studies curriculum aligned with Minnesota's updated standards. Teachers and parents report stress and confusion due to unclear guidelines, unresolved curriculum materials, and a divided school board over content like ethnic studies.

Anoka-Hennepin School Board publicly discussed a parent-backed petition to increase taxes for school funding after over 3,000 signatures were collected. The board did not take an official stance or outline next steps, leading to frustration from the parent group, Parents for Good Anoka-Hennepin, which insists further delays harm students. The district’s lawyer clarified that only the board can approve a funding referendum, conflicting with the group’s legal advice.

Parents should start buying school supplies now due to early back-to-school sales and potential shortages. Costs for elementary and high school students range from $100 to $200. Kristin McGrath of the Krazy Coupon Lady advises immediate shopping to avoid last-minute issues.

Parents in Anoka-Hennepin School District gathered over 3,000 signatures to push for a tax levy referendum to prevent budget cuts, but legal experts say state law does not allow residents to force such a vote. The school board approved a 2026-2027 budget with program cuts and job losses, citing that state law prohibits public-initiated referendums on operating levies. A legal analysis confirmed that while petitions can make political demands, they cannot legally mandate a vote under current Minnesota law.

A parent group in Anoka-Hennepin School District collected 3,000 signatures to push for a tax referendum, aiming to prevent school cuts due to budget reductions. The district acknowledges the petition but notes referendums must be initiated by the school board, not petitions.