How could they be safer? Schools are safe.
9 out of10
residents say the District provides a safe and secure learning environment for students.
Source: Resident survey 2025
Yet a comprehensive technology evaluation in 2024 revealed challenges that prevent Mounds View Public Schools from providing the safest and most equitable learning environment possible.
School safety
Additional security cameras are needed to provide comprehensive coverage throughout the District, and visitor management systems are dated.
Cybersecurity
Both of these systems are 12 years old.
Unauthorized users attempt to access the District’s technology systems more than 60,000 times in a typical month.
Classroom learning
Student learning devices like Chromebooks and iPads are in need of replacement, and interactive displays vary in both function, age and reliability.
However, state funding does not address these growing requirements. Implementing the recommended technology improvements requires an intentional investment.
For the first time ever, the School Board has proposed a capital projects levy on the ballot this fall. Most metro school districts already have this dedicated funding source. If successful, the levy would provide $10 million annually for 10 years.
This would represent a monthly tax increase of about $18 for owners of a median-valued home in the District.
Source: Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors
Residents can calculate their specific tax impact using a tax calculator at mvpschools.org/saferschools.
vs. Capital projects levy operating levy
• A capital projects levy is used for specific, long-term projects like facility improvements, technology upgrades and safety/security measures.
• An operating levy provides funding for teaching and learning, daily operation of schools and classrooms, teachers and staff as well as maintaining class sizes.
In 2019, voters approved combining two operating levies into one 10-year levy, to avoid levy-renewal voter fatigue. This is the levy dedicated to maintaining current class sizes and programming in schools.
School safety
With additional, dedicated revenue, Mounds View Public Schools can improve school safety. This effort could include things like . . .
• Increasing security camera coverage in critical areas.
• Strengthening the visitor management process for entering schools.
The systems in most schools are 10-15 years old.
• Upgrading the public address and emergency response system to include digital display signage in classrooms.
• Adopting next-generation, hack-resistant door-entry fob controllers and readers.
The systems in most schools are 25 years old.
Cybersecurity
With additional, dedicated revenue, Mounds View Public Schools can better protect student data privacy against cyberattacks. This effort could include things like . . .
• Remaining current with the expanding industry standards – a widely recognized and respected set of guidelines for building a strong cybersecurity program.
Did you know?
Public school districts are part of the nation’s critical infrastructure sectors under increasing threat from cyberattacks.
Source: Center for Internet Security (CIS)
• Confidential student, staff and parent information might be exposed.
• Online classes, assignments or digital learning tools can become inaccessible.
• Finance systems, communication platforms and scheduling tools are often rendered unusable.
Cyberstats
• 8,000 devices are connected to the wireless network every day.
• 1,775 emails are flagged as Phishing every month.
• 60,000 cyberattacks are blocked every month.
• 25,000 attempts to visit malicious websites are prevented every month.
Classroom learning
With additional, dedicated revenue, Mounds View Public Schools can advance student achievement through technology investments and maintenance. This effort could include things like . . .
• Consistently installing and replacing interactive whiteboards in all classrooms.
• Replacing and upgrading student and staff devices.
• Installing learning stations along with advanced coding and STEAM labs.
• Dedicated spaces for coding, engineering and creating with tech tools like virtual reality, augmented reality, drones, or robotics – where students can design complex projects.
That’s half the total inventory.
Did you know?
• Schools need to replace more than 6,000 student Chromebooks in 2026 alone.
• The average age of these devices is four years old.
The life expectancy is five to six years.
These essential tools for safer schools can be implemented in phases throughout all Mounds View Public Schools -without pulling funding away from maintaining current class sizes and academic programming.
Without this dedicated revenue source, there will be continued pressure on the general operating budget competing for dollars required for other classroom and school needs. This will eventually lead to outdated security systems, older devices and limited technology support.
Visit: mvpschools.org/saferschools Watch: Scan the code to watch a video.
• Vote early, in person, close to home.
Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria Street N. Roseville Library, 2180 Hamline Avenue N.
October 17 - 31, weekdays: 10
Voters will select candidates for three seats.
• Or vote by absentee ballot before November 4. Applications available at ramseycounty.us/residents/elections-voting
• Or vote on Election Day, November 4. For polling hours and locations visit ramseycounty.us/residents/elections-voting
School Board election
In addition to the capital projects levy, this year there is a School Board election on November 4. For a list of candidates, visit mvpschools.org/boardelection25