Dear NPAS Staff,
As we settle into the 2025-26 school year, I hope you’ve had a strong and positive start. The beginning of the year is a crucial time to build relationships, establish routines, and create the structure that will support our students and sustain your work throughout the months ahead. Thank you for everything you do to make that happen.
Please keep in mind the following reminders about the Proud Tradition AND Promising Future Operating Referendum Campaign. Staying informed about this effort is essential—not just as employees of NPAS, but as community members and advocates for current and future students and their families. On Tuesday, November 4, our communities will vote on this funding request. This referendum is the result of two years of thoughtful discussion by the School Board and administration, informed by the Spring 2025 community survey. In response to that input, the levy amount was reduced to better reflect community feedback, and the decision was made not to include a bond referendum in this election.
This request would increase the current operating levy by $510 per pupil for 10 years, providing an additional $2 million annually to our overall operating budget, beginning in the 2026-27 school year. These funds are critical to maintaining the class sizes, transportation services and programs and positions that directly impact our students and staff. For a home valued at $400,000, the estimated tax impact would be approximately $20 per month. More detailed information is available on the Proud Tradition AND Promising Future 2025 Operating Referendum page on our website, click
here.
A key component of this campaign is voter participation. While Election Day is November 4, early voting begins Friday, September 19. I strongly encourage all staff who are eligible to vote to make a plan to do so—starting with early voting if that works best for your schedule. Please also take a moment to review the “Referendum Staff Dos and Don’ts” included in this newsletter to ensure we’re all in alignment with campaign guidelines as school employees.
Thank you for staying engaged, staying informed, and helping to ensure a strong future for our district. Your voice and your vote matter. Please feel free to reach out to me or your site administrator if you have any questions.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the horrific events that occurred last week at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Please join me in grieving their loss and offering our heartfelt condolences. In moments like these, we are reminded of the importance of remaining vigilant in upholding our district’s emergency response plans and procedures. I ask that you continue to prioritize these safety protocols in your daily work as we collectively work to ensure our schools are safe and welcoming spaces for all.
Wishing you a continued great start to the year. Go Trojans!
Sincerely,
Andrew Vollmuth
