(Editor’s Note: The following column was submitted by Big Lake Schools.)

Big Lake Schools will be holding an election on November 2 asking voters to approve a crucial school funding measure to restore and renew our facilities. I am excited to share with you that early and absentee voting is now open! Registered voters can request a ballot by emailing Communications@BigLakeSchools.org, calling 763-262-2536 or stopping in the District Office from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday).

As a district, we are committed to not raising taxes for our community, which means this bond referendum will have a $0 tax increase for our community! If approved, this will allow us to complete a number of projects including:

• Critical roof repairs/replacement;

• Improving indoor air quality and adding air conditioning at Independence Elementary STEM;

• Air conditioning of high school activity spaces including the main gym and auxiliary gymnastics gym;

• Updated career and technical education spaces to reflect the current market needs to prepare students for life after graduation;

• Redesigned media center and special education spaces;

• Redesign of the Liberty Elementary parking lot to ensure smoother pick up/drop off times;

• And many more important updates to our facilities!

To provide our community an opportunity to learn more about this referendum, we will be offering a webinar and in-person informational session. Please join us for one or more of the upcoming events:

• Lunch and Learn: Bond Referendum Webinar (virtual). Grab your lunch and join us October 6, 2021 from 12 - 12:30 p.m. to learn more about this referendum! RSVP by emailing Communications@BigLakeSchools.org. A recording will be available afterwards;

• Bond Referendum Informational Meeting & School Board Candidate Forum. October 7, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Auditorium.

I hope that you make it a priority to vote in this important election and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to vote as well. For more information, please visit our website at Referendum.BigLakeSchools.org.