Updated at: 10/28/2009 10:13 PM
By: Renee Passal

Nashwauk-Keewatin Levy Referendum

Like with any levy referendum, there is spirit, and sides. And there is a levy referendum coming up November 3, in the Nashwauk-Keewatin school district.

"My kids want to be Spartans. But if there are more cuts, I'm not sure if I can keep them in the district. My husband and both graduated from here. We want the levy to pass," said Denise Clusiau, a parent from Nashwauk.

She's part of the Save our Schools Committee, which has been lobbying hard to get the levy passed. Pro-referendum signs dot the neighborhoods.

Some folks though, like Chuck and Cathy Ramberg, are concerned about property taxes going up. They have not made up their decision on what to vote for yet, but say, there are challenges for them and their neighbors.

"I'm not against education in anyway. But we are getting closer to retirement, and fixed incomes," Cathy Ramberg said. "Our taxes could double."

"It's about buying power and the economy, and if I put more money into the schools, I'll buy less in the area," said Chuck Ramberg. "It's not about emotions, it's about the black and white."

Here is a breakdown of the levy referendum. 3 questions will be on the ballot in November.

Question 1: $700/pupil levy, with a cost of $12/month on a $100,000 house.

If that question fails, the whole levy fails. If you support that amount, you can vote on more funding.

Question 2: $700+$400/pupil levy, totaling $1100. That's a cost of $21/month on the a $100,000 house.

Question 3: $700+$200/pupil levy, totaling $900. That's a cost of $17/month on a $100,000 house.

If all three questions get enough "yes" votes, that would be a $1300/pupil levy, and cost about $26 month, if you have a $100,000 house.

If you leave a question blank, it does not get counted at all.

The old operating levy expired in 2008. The district said it has cut $1 million dollars from its budget already. And would have to cut $300,000 more if the levy fails.