Mount Vernon School District Proposes $400K Opt-Out Ahead of New School Year

The Mount Vernon School District is seeking voter approval for a $400,000 general fund opt-out to replace its current $200,000 opt-out, unchanged since 2010. The increase, approved by the school board in June, is intended to address rising operational costs, including salaries, insurance, and utilities.

By Christal Blue August 6, 2025 11:40 am

Mount Vernon School District opt-out South Dakota school funding vote $400,000 general fund opt-out school board funding decision inflation and school budgets Mount Vernon SD education operational costs schools school tax opt-out election Mount Vernon City Hall polling school board budget increase public forum on school funding Tom Young Community Center meetings Sept. 9 school funding vote local education finance South Dakota public school funding — Metro Services

MOUNT VERNON, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) As the new school year approaches, the Mount Vernon School District is asking voters to approve a $400,000 general fund opt-out, replacing its current $200,000 opt-out in place since 2010. The move, approved unanimously by the school board in June, is aimed at offsetting rising operational costs like salaries, insurance, and utilities. Officials say inflation has cut the dollar’s buying power nearly in half since the original opt-out was passed. Public forums are scheduled for Aug. 11 and Sept. 3 at the Tom Young Community Center. The vote is set for Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Mount Vernon City Hall, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more Government stories from MitchellNow.com, Click Here.

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