MOST SCHOOL DISTRICTS WIN REFERENDA

Minnesota voters said yes to more than 60% of the school districts asking for more money on Tuesday. 61 district referenda passed, 32 failed, six others had a multiple question ballot and split decisions. Brainerd, Crosby Ironton and Wadena Deer Creek were among those districts where voters said no. Brainerd lawmaker John Ward told the Brainerd Dispatch that he was surprised the referendum failed. Ward said the main problem is that property taxes are not based on an ability to pay. Fort Ripley state senator Paul Koering said he was not surprised. He said he's out and about talking to constituents and he has a pretty good feel for what people are thinking. Both said lawmakers will take another hard look at state education funding during next year's session.