Local Elections 2023: School Funding & Cybersecurity

As Minnesota gears up for the local elections 2023, an array of critical issues is on the table, with school referendums and cybersecurity taking centre stage. This election cycle brings a mix of capital projects, operating levies, and a growing concern for enhanced cybersecurity in schools. This article delves into the implications of these ballots across the state and their potential impacts on our communities.

A Plethora of School Referendums

When voters head to the polls on Election Day, they will encounter 67 school referendums across the state. These referendums encompass 40 capital project bond questions and 27 operating levies to support classroom needs. Notably, this year’s common theme focuses on technology upgrades and cybersecurity, reflecting the urgency of safeguarding educational institutions against cyber threats.

In Hastings, for instance, residents are tasked with selecting school board candidates and voting on a 10-year levy of $2 million annually to sustain classroom equipment and bolster security systems. The associated tax impact is approximately $100 per year for a homeowner with a $275,000 property. Superintendent Tammy Champa of Hastings Public Schools stressed the growing cost of cybersecurity, underscoring the need for substantial investment.

The Growing Emphasis on Cybersecurity

While tech levies are not new, allocating funds for cybersecurity within these levies is a recent and necessary trend. In response to the increasing cyberattack threat, educational organizations, including schools, are facing a rising prevalence of security challenges. This year, Minneapolis Public Schools experienced a data breach, compromising thousands of personal records. Rochester’s school district also faced an attack, leading to a $10 million request from voters in this election. According to a report by IBM, dealing with a cyber breach can cost up to $4.5 million. Therefore making cybersecurity investments a crucial part of school funding requests.

In conclusion, the local elections 2023 result reflects a heightened focus on educational security, with a surge in districts seeking funding for cybersecurity measures within their educational systems. Voters prioritize school funding for technology upgrades, emphasizing cybersecurity to protect educational institutions from evolving cyber threats.