LCWM Levy Facts | Fact #2: What Is an Operating Levy?
An operating levy is different from a building referendum.
An operating levy provides funding for the day-to-day operation of our schools. These dollars help support:
Classroom instruction
Teachers and staff
Transportation
Technology
Student programs and activities
Daily operations
These funds are not used to build new schools or complete major construction projects.
The operating levy on this November's ballot is designed to help maintain the educational opportunities our students receive every day.
An operating levy is different from a building referendum.
An operating levy provides funding for the day-to-day operation of our schools. These dollars help support:
Classroom instruction
Teachers and staff
Transportation
Technology
Student programs and activities
Daily operations
These funds are not used to build new schools or complete major construction projects.
The operating levy on this November's ballot is designed to help maintain the educational opportunities our students receive every day.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀?
We want to highlight the many pathways our alumni pursue. Our goal is not just celebration — it is connection — helping current students and our community see that success takes many forms and that each Knight’s path is unique, valuable, and full of possibility. Check out this week’s featured alumni!
𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲: Nate Heinze
𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: 2007
𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, 𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵:
University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management, Indiana University - Kelley School of Business (MBA)
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘄?
I work for Andersen Windows and lead our distribution center in Sacramento, CA along with our logistics development program for new college grads. My wife and I have a 3 year old son and enjoy spending time on the coast or in the mountains in Northern California.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 LCWM 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀, 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂?
Academic Decathlon - it was a great opportunity to learn new things and push myself out of my comfort zone with public speaking.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 LCWM 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁?
Try something new - whether it’s joining a club, sports team, or a class you’re curious about. Now is the time to explore and find out what you’re passionate about. Also, if you’re curious, ask. People love sharing about themselves and their experiences.
If you would like to be featured in this series, please fill out this form:
https://forms.gle/Mx2Jpp62P1s3xTBW6
We want to highlight the many pathways our alumni pursue. Our goal is not just celebration — it is connection — helping current students and our community see that success takes many forms and that each Knight’s path is unique, valuable, and full of possibility. Check out this week’s featured alumni!
𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲: Nate Heinze
𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: 2007
𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, 𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵:
University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management, Indiana University - Kelley School of Business (MBA)
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘄?
I work for Andersen Windows and lead our distribution center in Sacramento, CA along with our logistics development program for new college grads. My wife and I have a 3 year old son and enjoy spending time on the coast or in the mountains in Northern California.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 LCWM 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀, 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂?
Academic Decathlon - it was a great opportunity to learn new things and push myself out of my comfort zone with public speaking.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 LCWM 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁?
Try something new - whether it’s joining a club, sports team, or a class you’re curious about. Now is the time to explore and find out what you’re passionate about. Also, if you’re curious, ask. People love sharing about themselves and their experiences.
If you would like to be featured in this series, please fill out this form:
https://forms.gle/Mx2Jpp62P1s3xTBW6
LCWM 6th–7th grade families — Washington, D.C. trip information came home this week!
Join us to learn about the trip, pricing, and how to reserve your student’s spot.
Parent Meeting: Tuesday, September 29th | 6:00–6:30 PM at the LCWM School
RSVP here: https://rsvp.worldclassrooms.com/inperson/53555120251?rsvp_id=53555120251
Families who attend will receive $500 off each traveler!
We hope to see you there!
Join us to learn about the trip, pricing, and how to reserve your student’s spot.
Parent Meeting: Tuesday, September 29th | 6:00–6:30 PM at the LCWM School
RSVP here: https://rsvp.worldclassrooms.com/inperson/53555120251?rsvp_id=53555120251
Families who attend will receive $500 off each traveler!
We hope to see you there!
One of the most common questions we've heard: "Why is the district asking for an operating levy?"
The answer begins with the work we've already done. Over the past two years, LCWM has reduced more than $600,000 from its budget through staffing changes, restructuring positions, and reducing expenditures. These were difficult decisions, but they reflected our commitment to being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
Even after those reductions, our district continues to face increasing costs, changes in state funding, and declining enrollment.
The proposed operating levy is intended to help maintain the educational opportunities our students have today while reducing the need for additional budget reductions in the future.
Over the coming weeks, we'll continue sharing factual information to help our community make an informed decision this November.
The answer begins with the work we've already done. Over the past two years, LCWM has reduced more than $600,000 from its budget through staffing changes, restructuring positions, and reducing expenditures. These were difficult decisions, but they reflected our commitment to being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
Even after those reductions, our district continues to face increasing costs, changes in state funding, and declining enrollment.
The proposed operating levy is intended to help maintain the educational opportunities our students have today while reducing the need for additional budget reductions in the future.
Over the coming weeks, we'll continue sharing factual information to help our community make an informed decision this November.
Thankfully the weather was nicer last week for the annual "senior sunrise"! Seniors gathered on the football field last week to enjoy breakfast and some time together to start the school year. It was great to see so many students attend!
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀?
We want to highlight the many pathways our alumni pursue. Our goal is not just celebration — it is connection — helping current students and our community see that success takes many forms and that each Knight’s path is unique, valuable, and full of possibility. Check out this week’s featured alumni!
𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲: Corbin Brocker
𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: 2012
𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, 𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵:
United Stated Navy, Riverland Community College, University of Minnesota
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘄?
After high school I spent 4 years in the US Navy, graduated from Riverland Community College then the University of Minnesota with a Mortuary Science degree. I am now a Funeral Director at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 LCWM 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁?
Don't give up on your dreams, the journey that you take to get to the destination is what helps form who you are.
If you would like to be featured in this series, please fill out this form:
https://forms.gle/Mx2Jpp62P1s3xTBW6
We want to highlight the many pathways our alumni pursue. Our goal is not just celebration — it is connection — helping current students and our community see that success takes many forms and that each Knight’s path is unique, valuable, and full of possibility. Check out this week’s featured alumni!
𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲: Corbin Brocker
𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: 2012
𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, 𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵:
United Stated Navy, Riverland Community College, University of Minnesota
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘄?
After high school I spent 4 years in the US Navy, graduated from Riverland Community College then the University of Minnesota with a Mortuary Science degree. I am now a Funeral Director at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 LCWM 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁?
Don't give up on your dreams, the journey that you take to get to the destination is what helps form who you are.
If you would like to be featured in this series, please fill out this form:
https://forms.gle/Mx2Jpp62P1s3xTBW6
Congratulations to our 2026 homecoming court!
Front row: Landre, Katie, Lilly, Lexi, and Piper. Back row: Levi, Carson, Ryder, Landon, and Kellen.
Student council has been busy planning all of the details and activities for next week!
Special thank you to Laura Olson, of LO's Cookies, for making the custom cookies for each member of the court.
Front row: Landre, Katie, Lilly, Lexi, and Piper. Back row: Levi, Carson, Ryder, Landon, and Kellen.
Student council has been busy planning all of the details and activities for next week!
Special thank you to Laura Olson, of LO's Cookies, for making the custom cookies for each member of the court.
This is just a reminder of the two hour late start on Monday! Enjoy your weekend!
High school student council is selling shirts for homecoming the week of September 21. Here's a link to purchase one! Orders must be placed by THIS SUNDAY so we can have them by Wednesday, September 23.
https://www.companycasuals.com/LCWMHomecoming/start.jsp
https://www.companycasuals.com/LCWMHomecoming/start.jsp
Where are you Wednesday?
We want to highlight the many pathways our alumni pursue. Our goal is not just celebration — it is connection — helping current students and our community see that success takes many forms and that each Knight’s path is unique, valuable, and full of possibility.
Please complete the form below to be highlighted in our *hopefully* weekly post on the school website and social media!
https://forms.gle/TkNpHU6m4TiGKSkP8
We want to highlight the many pathways our alumni pursue. Our goal is not just celebration — it is connection — helping current students and our community see that success takes many forms and that each Knight’s path is unique, valuable, and full of possibility.
Please complete the form below to be highlighted in our *hopefully* weekly post on the school website and social media!
https://forms.gle/TkNpHU6m4TiGKSkP8
The LCWM School Board will host a School Board Candidate Forum and Meet & Greet on Monday, October 5, from 5:30–6:30 p.m.
You’ll hear from board candidates Ryan Jones, Mike Maurer, Kari Paul, Josh Sargent, Shanna Roloff, Tiffany Smith, and Dina Voit.
Following the meet & greet, the board will host a public forum regarding the upcoming operating levy referendum from 6:45–7:30 p.m. Board members will be available to answer questions from the community.
You’ll hear from board candidates Ryan Jones, Mike Maurer, Kari Paul, Josh Sargent, Shanna Roloff, Tiffany Smith, and Dina Voit.
Following the meet & greet, the board will host a public forum regarding the upcoming operating levy referendum from 6:45–7:30 p.m. Board members will be available to answer questions from the community.
LCWM District with Feeding Our Communities Partners engages our community to help solve youth hunger. FOCP discreetly provides snacks and meals for students in grades K-8. Each food pack consists of breakfast, lunch, and snack for each day out of school. Packs are received weekly.
If you are interested in this service, please complete the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1y0mUtY6EpH-cu5oK9_s91EN-BMatY2BW9Tqipyb_fZY/viewform?edit_requested=true
High school student council members welcomed new high school students at their annual luncheon today. Welcome to LCWM!
Elementary students arrived ready to go this morning for the first day!! It's been a great day filled with excitement and lots of smiles!!
If you plan to attend the volleyball game tonight or the football game tomorrow night in St. James, please note you MUST purchase your tickets before the game!! The instructions are on the page at the link below!
Volleyball:
https://www.gobound.com/events/h202605060717272183562dcb08bd443/tickets
Football:
https://www.gobound.com/events/h2026050604564735212f8edfcbb924c/tickets
Volleyball:
https://www.gobound.com/events/h202605060717272183562dcb08bd443/tickets
Football:
https://www.gobound.com/events/h2026050604564735212f8edfcbb924c/tickets
If you're interested! Please reach out to Logan and he will be able to provide all the details for you!
We are so excited to see all these smiling faces back in the building! It’s been a great start to the school year so far!
High school Student Council members greeted students as they arrived, classes met as whole groups to kick off the year, and there has already been plenty of learning and reconnecting throughout the halls.
Here’s to a great 2026–27 school year, Knights!
High school Student Council members greeted students as they arrived, classes met as whole groups to kick off the year, and there has already been plenty of learning and reconnecting throughout the halls.
Here’s to a great 2026–27 school year, Knights!
Please take a look at the image for additional information about our budget, the funding "buckets", and why we are going out for a referendum.
The bus route times are posted into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal! In the transportation tab, it should say "Effective: 9/03/2026". If yours is not updated, please send an email with your information to info@isd2071.org and we will pass it on to the bus company.
These times are approximate and could vary by a few minutes each way, especially to start the year so please plan accordingly. We appreciate your patience especially to start the year!
These times are approximate and could vary by a few minutes each way, especially to start the year so please plan accordingly. We appreciate your patience especially to start the year!
Don't wait until you're in season to start lifting! Join Mr. T beginning Wednesday, September 2!! Girls start at 6:00 am and boys start at 6:45 am!
