The Capital Projects Levy aims to strengthen security, modernize technology, and enhance family communication

By Daphine Possebon | News Intern

Roseville Area Schools are asking voters this November to approve a $6 million annual levy that would strengthen school safety and update technology for students and staff.

If passed, the new Capital Projects Levy would run for 10 years, starting in the 2026–27 school year. The funding would support classroom technology, cybersecurity and communication systems in order to  keep schools safe and connected.

“This levy lets us continue investing in critical areas without taking money from our classrooms,” said Superintendent Jenny Loeck. “It ensures our schools stay secure and our students have the tools they need to learn.”

What’s Included

The proposed levy would fund upgrades in five key areas:

Safety and Security: Replacement of about 200 outdated security cameras across schools. The district has more than 700 cameras, and nearly a third need to be replaced to remain compatible with new technology.

Cybersecurity: Tools like two-factor authentication, threat detection, and 24/7 monitoring to protect against the roughly 85,000 daily attempts to breach district systems.

Learning Technology: Updated devices, online learning tools, and software that support both teachers and students.

Infrastructure: Improvements to Wi-Fi, phone systems, and data storage to keep schools connected and reliable.

Communication: Expansion of ParentSquare, a new messaging platform that automatically translates messages into more than 90 home languages spoken in the district.

“Families deserve to engage in their children’s education in the language they understand best,” Loeck said. “ParentSquare helps us make that a reality.”

A First for Roseville

This is the first time Roseville Area Schools have requested this type of levy. While the district already passed  a building bond in 2017 and an operating levy in 2021, both serve different purposes. The 2017 bond paid for secure entrances and new media spaces, but those dollars could only be used for facilities. The 2021 operating levy, renewed through 2031, supports staffing and classroom resources.

“This request is different,” Loeck said. “Bonds are for building, and levies are for learning. This one focuses specifically on technology and safety.”

Nearly 70% of Twin Cities metro districts already have  similar capital projects levies in place. School districts cannot raise taxes on their own— they must seek voter approval for funding beyond what the state provides.

Community Voices

Geida Cleveland, a Roseville parent of two and a candidate for the Roseville Area School Board, said she fully supports the levy.

“As a mom, safety is always on my mind,” Cleveland said. “Updating cameras [and] door locks and making sure only authorized people can enter school buildings is critical right now.”

Cleveland also emphasized the importance of the levy’s technology and communication components,from providing digital learning tools and stronger cybersecurity to helping families access school information in their home languages.

“This is about creating a safe and inclusive learning environment,” she said. “Every parent, no matter what language they speak, should be able to connect with their child’s school.”

Cost to Taxpayers

At a community information meeting on October 6,, district officials shared that for a home with a market value of $350,000, the estimated tax increase would be about $18 per month. Residents can calculate their individual tax impact in the tax calculator on the levy website..

Even if approved, the district cannot raise more than the voter-approved $6 million per year, meaning the total amount collected will not increase over time.

Loeck said that if the levy fails to be approved, the district will continue to prioritize student safety, but other areas could be affected.

“If the levy doesn’t pass, safety and technology spending will still happen,” she said. “But we’ll have to take those dollars from other programs, things like extracurriculars or classroom resources.”

Accountability and Reporting

To ensure transparency, Roseville Schools plans to create a public dashboard showing how funds from this and past measures are being used.

“Our community deserves to see exactly where their tax dollars go,” Loeck said. “We’re proud of the investments we’ve made, and we want that accountability to be clear.”

Roseville voters will decide on the Safety and Technology Levy on Tues., Nov. 4.

More information, including tax impact estimates and project details, is available on the Roseville Area Schools website.