LEAL, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – On June 9, 2026, the Barnes County North School District will be asking voters to consider approval of a 20-mill temporary increase to the district’s general fund levy for a period of eight years. This increase is designed to provide the financial stability necessary to maintain current educational programs, staffing, and services for students.

Superintendent Andrew Currie said over the next eight years, Barnes County North is facing a deficit, primarily due to the district’s ongoing bond and interest payments, for the building, which account for nearly 20% of the district’s annual expenditures, and continued increases in salaries, supplies, and transportation costs. At the same time, reductions in state transition funding and new legislative restraints have placed additional strain on district finances.

He said if approved, this 20-mill increase—equal to approximately $700,000 per year—will allow BCN to maintain small class sizes, preserve quality programs, and protect student opportunities.

Currie said this temporary increase is a responsible plan to ensure we continue providing a high-quality education for our students while maintaining financial stability for the district, it’s a short-term investment that helps us meet today’s challenges without sacrificing tomorrow’s opportunities.

If approved, the 20-mill increase will remain in place for eight years, giving the district time to pay down its bond obligations and rebuild a balanced budget for the future.

He said Barnes County North is proud of its tradition of providing strong academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular programs that prepare students for success. This proposal represents an investment in stability—allowing the district to continue meeting its mission to educate and empower students while maintaining fiscal responsibility to the community.

The first Community Informational Session will be held Wednesday, January 28th at 7pm in the Barnes County North School. The public is encouraged to attend and learn more about the proposed 20-Mill Levy increase that will be on the June 9th ballot.

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For more information, please attend one of our community informational sessions or contact the District Office at (701) 646-6202 or visit our website at https://www.barnescountynorth.k12.nd.us/