FORMAN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Sargent Central School District is asking voters to increase their levy up to 20 mills for their Building Fund during an election on June 10th.

Superintendent Daniel Warcken said in addition to filling two school board vacancies, the June 10th ballot includes a measure asking voters to grant the school district authority to levy up to 20 mills for the Building Fund. North Dakota law requires voter approval before such a levy can be enacted. He said if approved, the funding would support facility maintenance, capital improvements, and reduce both short and long-term strain on the district’s General Fund.

The Sargent County Auditor said if the measure is approved a $100,000 home would see about a $90 impact for the full 20 mills. In Sargent County an average acre of Agriculture land is worth $1,027.00. For an acre of Ag land, the impact would be $1.03 per acre or $164.80 on a quarter.

Why this vote matters

Legal Authority & Flexibility

• Grants the district legal authority to use Building Fund mills going forward

• Provides long-term flexibility to address facility needs

• Actual usage is reviewed and approved annually by the school board

• North Dakota Century Code § 57-15-16 requires voter approval before a school district may levy mills for a Building Fund

Financial Benefits

• Reduces financial strain on the General Fund, preserving dollars for:

  • Student learning

  • Staffing

  • Programs and opportunities

• Helps avoid costly deferred maintenance

• Promotes short- and long-term financial stability

Voting Information

• Election Date: June 10th, 2025

• Poll Location: Sargent Central Public School – ITV Room

• Poll Hours: 11 am to 7 pm

• Early/Absentee Voting: https://www.nd.gov/eforms/doc/sfn51468.pdf

Did you know?

75% of public school districts in North Dakota have a Building Fund, recognizing its role in maintaining operational and financial stability.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

• For detailed answers and some helpful visuals to frequently asked questions, please visit our Building Fund FAQs Page

• For more information, please contact: Dr. Daniel Warcken, Supt. Daniel.Warcken@k12.nd.us | (701) 724-3205

• If the June 10th ballot is approved, does that mean the district will levy the full 20 mills?

  No. Voter approval grants the authority to levy up to 20 mills, but it does not require the district to levy that amount. The school board reviews and sets the Building Fund levy annually and may choose to levy any amount up to 20 mills — including zero, depending on the district’s needs and financial outlook.

  Will this raise my taxes?

  Authorizing up to 20 mills gives the district the legal flexibility to levy Building Fund mills, but it does not automatically increase taxes. Based on current projections, the district anticipates levying around 8 mills per year for the Building Fund.

  To provide context, the district’s total tax levy decreased by 19.19% from 2023–2024 to 2024–2025, largely due to the removal of the Building Fund levy and a reduction in the tuition fund levy. For 2025–2026, with an approved Building Fund measure, the projected 11.8% increase in tax levies reflects a return to more typical funding levels. This increase is driven by a combination of factors—including inflation, general operational needs, and potential use of the Building Fund.