As the superintendent for Big Lake Schools, I want to share some perspective on the upcoming referendum. My goal is not to tell you how to vote, but to help you understand what is at stake.
Question 1: Operating Levy to Support Educational Needs
The first question, the operating levy, would directly support day-to-day learning and staffing. The goal is to stabilize and preserve our core educational programs, such as: Maintaining small class sizes; Retaining quality teachers and staff; Keeping curriculum and materials up-to-date.
We are asking for more local funding because state support isn’t keeping up with student needs. While “historic school funding” made headlines in 2024, this legislation came with 65 new school mandates, many of which were unfunded or underfunded. In addition, state funding has not kept pace with inflation for 20+ years. As a result, schools are left to do more with less, putting a huge strain on budgets.
If question one doesn’t pass, Big Lake Schools will have to face budget reductions that will directly impact the student experience. This may mean: Larger class sizes; Outdated curricular resources; Challenges in recruiting and retaining teachers and support staff; Overall reduction in student supports and opportunities.
Because of the current state funding situation, many neighboring districts have already faced significant disruptive reductions. Thanks to careful fiscal management we have been able to avoid this fate thus far. However, without additional local funding, we will not be able to hold off much longer.
Question 2:
Building Bond
Question 2, which can only pass if question 1 also passes, would support facility needs: Classroom updates for Special Education and Career and Technical Education (CTE); Multipurpose space for school and community use; Stadium field and track replacement; A new on-campus home for the Big Lake Community Food Shelf.
You can find details on the projects and the needs they address online at biglakeschools.org/strongschools, but I want to discuss two key points:
For the safety of our students, our aging track requires full replacement no matter what. While we have done all we can to maintain it, it is 10+ years beyond its life expectancy and large below-surface cracks are beyond repair. In addition, the current field’s raised crown, suitable for football and standard practice for drainage, creates safety concerns now that soccer and lacrosse were added to our athletic programs. If we complete the two projects together, we can avoid costly rework. If Question 2 does not pass, the district would need to use lease-levy authority to complete projects. While the monthly tax impact may be similar, the amount of work the district could complete for that cost would be limited to the track and field.
Why would the food shelf move onto school grounds?
City Hall recently acquired land for a new location, and state law prevents the City from taking on debt for purposes that don’t directly serve city operations. This means the Big Lake Community Food Shelf must relocate by summer of 2027.
Our partnership plan would allow the food shelf to continue operations, make services more accessible to frequent users, many of whom are under 18, and provide opportunities for our students to engage in service-learning. The Food Shelf would be a valued school partner, but would remain self-contained and independently operated. It would have a separate entrance, controlled access, and clear separation from student activity areas.
Vote on or before Nov. 4. Your voice will directly shape the future of our schools and community.
For full details, including voting information, full proposals, and FAQs, visit biglakeschools.org/strongschools. Please submit any questions to our online form as we welcome your feedback.
November 3rd Voting: Independence Elementary STEM, Door J, 8:30am-7:15pm;
November 4th Voting: Saron Lutheran Church, 7am-8pm (All residents at combined polling place).
Thank you for your time, your feedback, and your engagement.
Sincerely,
Tim Truebenbach,
Superintendent
Big Lake Schools
