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

As we approach the November 2 school bond referendum, I want to encourage you to vote!

The last major investment in facilities was in May of 2016. That school bond referendum vote had 1,543 votes cast to improve school safety and security, expanding and improving playgrounds, improving fine arts and athletic facilities, and installing ball field lighting. At the time, there were approximately 9,912 registered voters in our district. Today, there are approximately 12,354 registered voters in our district boundaries. As superintendent, I cannot advocate for or against the November 2 ballot questions, but I can encourage voter turnout and provide facts about the upcoming special election.

The plan our Board of Education approved will restore and renew our school facilities for future generations, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. This plan will address crucial facility infrastructure projects that need to be completed in the upcoming years. 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 bond referendum will allow us to complete a number of projects including:

• Liberty Elementary’s roof. When constructed in 2002, Liberty Elementary had a roof with a 15 year life span installed. The roof is now 18 years old and in need of replacement.

• Portions of the Middle School roof. Portions of the Middle School roof, including the 1987 and 2001 addition need replacing.

• Independence Elementary’s HVAC system. The 1981 HVAC system at Independence Elementary STEM is in need of replacement. This replacement would include a better air quality handling system as well as air conditioning.

• Special Education spaces at the Middle School. Special Education spaces at the Middle School were constructed in 1997 and are in need of redesign to reflect the current learning needs of our students.

• Building control systems. Building control systems across the district are 24 years old. The computer systems they operate on are no longer able to support the aging control panels.

I encourage everyone to make a plan to vote on or before November 2. Your vote is important and will help shape the future of our schools. And ultimately, investing in our school facilities is our community’s decision.