Legal expert: Parents gathered thousands of signatures, but it may not be enough to stop Anoka-Hennepin school cuts

Parents in Anoka-Hennepin School District gathered over 3,000 signatures to push for a tax levy referendum to prevent budget cuts, but legal experts say state law does not allow residents to force such a vote. The school board approved a 2026-2027 budget with program cuts and job losses, citing that state law prohibits public-initiated referendums on operating levies. A legal analysis confirmed that while petitions can make political demands, they cannot legally mandate a vote under current Minnesota law.