Continued decreasing enrollment is driving decisions in the Carlton school district this month. Outside of the continuing discussions about consolidation with Wrenshall, the school board set its preliminary levy for next year at the maximum. By law, districts need to set levy parameters by Sept. 30 each year. While the levy could go down before December, it can’t be increased. The exact numbers, and impact on taxpayers, has yet to be determined as the state dictates the maximum levy for every school district.

The district has seven fewer students attending its two school facilities this f...