




📢 **Tomorrow is ‘Opt Out’ Election Day!**
Sep 9, 7 AM–7 PM at Mount Vernon City Office.
Your vote matters—be there!














📅 **Tonight at 7 PM** – Tom Young Community Center.
Come ask your questions about the proposed Mount Vernon School District opt out before the vote on September 9. Be part of the conversation!

⏰ **Tomorrow at 7 PM** – Last public meeting on the opt out proposal.
We want everyone to have the facts before voting day, which is September 9.

Over the next few weeks, we’re sharing quick facts about the proposed opt out for the Mount Vernon School District. Our goal is to give you clear, accurate information so those eligible to vote can make an informed decision on September 9.
💬 You heard the school has $2M sitting in savings?
❌ Not true.
There can be a tendency for misunderstandings about Mount Vernon School District's finances. Clarifying these misconceptions is important for informed decision-making about the opt out.
**Misconception #1 "The district has $2 million in savings that should be spent before raising taxes."**
While Mount Vernon School District does have nearly $2 million in its Capital Outlay fund balance, South Dakota law (SDCL) strictly limits how these funds can be used. There is no "savings account" containing unrestricted funds available for general operations. The district is only permitted to transfer up to 45% of annual Capital Outlay revenue (not the fund balance) to the General Fund.
This transfer capability has already been budgeted for the 2025-2026 school year and is insufficient to cover the entire projected deficit.
📅 Learn more at our next Public Info Meeting:
Sep 3, 7 PM – Tom Young Community Center








Over the next few weeks, we’re sharing quick facts about the proposed opt out for the Mount Vernon School District. Our goal is to give you clear, accurate information so those eligible to vote can make an informed decision on September 9.
**How do we fill the gap?**
There are three ways to cover a budget deficit:
1️⃣ Opt out funds
2️⃣ Capital Outlay transfer (up to 45%)
3️⃣ Increased student enrollment (more state aid)
Without addressing this gap, the district would need to make significant cuts to educational programs and services.
📅 Learn more at our next Public Info Meeting:
Sep 3, 7 PM – Tom Young Community Center


Has Mount Vernon opted out before?
Over the next few weeks, we’re sharing quick facts about the proposed opt out for the Mount Vernon School District. Our goal is to give you clear, accurate information so those eligible to vote can make an informed decision on September 9.
**Has Mount Vernon opted out before?**
Yes, they have. Here is a brief history of opt outs in the Mount Vernon School District.
- 2005: $175,000 (4 years)
- 2010: $200,000 (4 years)
- Renewed in 2014, 2018, 2022
As the district approaches the 2026 renewal, the proposed increase from $200,000 to $400,000 reflects genuine financial pressures from inflation and changes in state funding formulas to maintain the same level of educational quality that Mount Vernon School District, it’s students and their families have come to expect. The district will only request what is needed each, based on many variables, at this time the district is not in need of the entire amount passed in resolution.
📅 Learn more at our next Public Info Meetings:
Sep 3, 7 PM – Tom Young Community Center


