A Message From The Superintendent
Dear NPAS Families,
As we launch into the 2025-26 school year, I hope your family has experienced a smooth and successful start. These first weeks are an important time for students to settle into routines, develop new connections, and engage deeply with learning. I encourage you to take time each day to talk with your student(s) about their school experiences—whether it’s what they learned, who they connected with, or how they’re meeting classroom and school expectations. These conversations go a long way in reinforcing positive habits and academic success.
As partners in education, I also want to ensure you are well-informed about a significant issue affecting the future of our school system, the Proud Tradition AND Promising Future Operating Referendum Campaign.
What is on the Ballot?
On Tuesday, November 4, voters in the New Prague Area Schools community will be asked to consider an Operating Levy Referendum that would increase the current operating levy by $510 per pupil for 10 years. If approved, this would provide an additional $2 million per year to support our operating budget beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
- For a home valued at $400,000, the estimated tax impact would be approximately $20 per month.
- Full details, including estimated tax impact calculator and background information, can be found on our Proud Tradition AND Promising Future 2025 Referendum page on the NPAS website, click here.
Why Now?
This decision follows two years of careful discussion by our school board and administration. A community survey conducted in spring 2025 provided valuable input that helped shape this referendum. As a result of that feedback, the proposed amount was lowered to $2 million annually, and we chose not to include a bond referendum in this election.
What Happens If It Does Not Pass?
Without additional funding:
- We will face continued, significant staff reductions, increasing class sizes at all grade levels.
- Transportation services could be reduced, resulting in longer walking distances for many students as well as longer bus rides for all students.
- We would likely need to reduce or eliminate valuable programming at all levels.
Your Voice Matters
In our last referendum in fall 2023, only 39% of eligible NPAS families voted, and the measure was narrowly defeated by just 36 votes. That result reinforces just how important every single vote is.
This fall, we urge all eligible family members to make a plan to vote. While Election Day is November 4, early voting begins as soon as Friday, September 19. Please take the time to get informed, share accurate information within your circles, and most importantly—vote.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the terrible tragedy that took place at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis last week. Please join our NPAS team in grieving their loss and sending our heartfelt condolences to all those impacted. At the same time, a reminder that we will continue to proactively work to make all of our school buildings safe and welcoming spaces for both students, staff and families. As such, I have asked our staff to be even more vigilant with regard to upholding our district’s emergency response plans and procedures, and as a system, we will continue to look for ways to enhance our already strong internal plans.
We are proud of our strong tradition of excellence and excited about our promising future. Together, we can ensure that all of our wonderful students continue to receive the high-quality education they deserve. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Andrew Vollmuth
