School and Community Resources

The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers two state tax benefits to families with students in Kindergarten through grade 12: the K-12 Education Subtraction and the K-12 Education Credit.

These benefits can reduce families’ income taxes and increase tax refunds if they retain receipts for their children's qualifying education-related expenses. Qualifying expenses may include paper and notebooks, pens and pencils, rentals, and purchases of educational equipment, among others. Most Minnesotans are eligible for both the K-12 Education Subtraction and the K-12 Education Credit, subject to certain income limits.

Learn more on the K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit webpage.

K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit Informational Flyer

(Informational flyer also available in Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Spanish)

Educational benefits include more than just free/reduced-price meals! Qualifying families may receive the following benefits:

• CT/SAT/AP fees

• Activities and athletics fees

• Home Internet

• College application fees,

• School parking passes, planners, gym uniforms, etc.

• And more!

Who qualifies?
Eligibility can be based upon:

• Income

• Foster Child - Single person qualification - not entire household

• Receipt of any of these benefits:

  • SNAP

  • MFIP

  • FDPIR

  • Medicaid

Important Note: Families who qualify for Educational Benefits (Free/Reduced-price meals) should still plan to fill out an application for next school year, beginning July 1, 2024. This ensures that you will still receive discounts on other programs/fees and ensures the district doesn’t lose critical funding for students.

How to Apply

• Apply online 
• Complete the paper form
  English | Español | Somali | русский 
  • Take a photo or scan the completed application and email it to julie.wharton@isd194.org.
  • Mail it or drop off at the District Office: 17630 Juniper Path, Suite A, Lakeville, MN 55044.

We’re here to help! Please call 952-232-2061 if you need assistance filling out the application.

Dakota County residents may call the Housing Crisis Line at 651-554-5751 if they need emergency shelter or Information on community housing resources and referrals.

Scott County residents may call CAP Agency, (952) 496-2125 if they need community housing resources and referrals. 

Know Your Rights

If your family lives in any of the following situations:

• In a shelter or treatment facility
• In a hotel, motel or campground due to loss of housing or economic hardship
• In a car or other motorized vehicle
• Couchsurfing/moving from place to place
• Doubled-up with another family due to loss of housing or economic hardship
• In housing that is unsafe (no running water, heat, electricity, etc.)
• In a public or private place that is not meant as a sleeping place

Your children have a right to:

• Stay in the same school even if you move to find housing
• Receive transportation to and from school
• Enroll in school immediately even if you do not have proof of residency, school records, or other documents
• Receive a free, appropriate public education
• Participate in extracurricular activities
• Receive free meals at school
• Receive academic help to stay on track in school

If your family is experiencing homelessness, including living with another family or in a temporary living facility due to loss of housing or financial hardship, please call 952-232-2072 or email megan.reikowski@isd194.org

Printable PDFs are available in multiple languages. 

• Know Your Rights - English
• Know Your Rights - Spanish/Español
• Know Your Rights - Somali/Soomaali
• Know Your Rights - Russian/русский
• Know Your Rights - Mandarin Chinese/普通话
• Know Your Rights - Korean/한국인
• Know Your Rights - All Languages

Lakeville Area Schools has Student Support Services staff in every building that provides confidential support for students with mental, chemical or behavioral health concerns, student engagement, and attendance. If you are concerned about your child, please fill out this form, contact your child’s school, or contact Lisa Holien at lisa.holien@isd194.org or studentservices@isd194.org. Additionally, Lakeville Area Schools offers referrals for school-based mental health therapy services for students based on identified needs and availability. 

• Student Support Services Request for Contact Form

In case of a mental health emergency, Dakota County residents should call Dakota County Crisis Response at 952-892-7171. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Scott County residents should call Mental Health Center Intake at 952-496-8481 during regular business hours.

Lakeville Area Schools has a limited number of wif-fi hotspots which will be provided for free and prioritized for families who qualify for educational benefits or for whom the cost of internet would be a burden. If you need a reliable internet connection and you qualify for educational benefits (free and reduced price meals) please fill out this form. 

Families who do not qualify for free internet through the district can still receive assistance in applying for low-cost Internet solutions through Internet Service Providers.

• Options for Reduced Rate Internet
• Opciones para Internet Gratis o tarifa reducida

Affordable Connectivity Program

• Up to a $30/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
• Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)