As November rapidly approaches, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the extraordinary work you do every day on behalf of our students and families. This is a season of reflection and thankfulness, and I am deeply appreciative of the commitment and professionalism of our school team throughout the beginning of this academic year.
This month also represents an important moment for the future of New Prague Area Schools. After two previous unsuccessful operating levy referendums in 2022 and 2023, the district has scheduled our Proud Tradition AND Promising Future Operating Levy Referendum for the ballot on Tuesday, November 4, with early voting currently underway. This request is essential to achieving financial stability and sustaining the high-quality education our community expects and our students deserve. If approved, it will allow us to: maintain manageable class sizes; protect transportation services; preserve high-quality programming for all learners; and avoid additional budget reductions that directly impact students and staff.
The current levy proposal asks voters to approve a $510 per-pupil increase over 10 years, which would generate an estimated $2 million annually beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. For a home valued at $400,000, the estimated tax impact is approximately $20 per month.
Many of you have already heard this message through campaign updates and building-level communications. From the very beginning, our goal has been to keep staff and families at the center of our outreach efforts. As members of this district community, your voice and your vote matter greatly.
We are encouraging all eligible staff members to participate in this election, and our goal is to reach over 90% voter participation among NPAS staff. This level of engagement sends a powerful message about how deeply we care for the future of our schools and students.
Strong communities and strong schools are woven together—when one grows stronger, the other thrives. We truly are better together.
As we look ahead to Thanksgiving, please know how much I value the incredible work you do each day. Your dedication to our students is the heart of NPAS, and it is what makes this district such a special place to learn and grow. Thank you for your continued commitment to our students, families, and one another, as well as your enthusiastic support of the New Prague Area Schools.
Warm regards,
Andrew Vollumth
