(Editor’s Note: The following column was submitted by Becker Public Schools.)

After an unsuccessful referendum in May, the needs of Becker Public Schools still remain and have only increased since that time. This November, the Becker School Board is asking residents to consider two questions to improve local schools. What are the needs of ISD 726?

Improve safety and infrastructure: The main entrances at each building need to be improved and there are key infrastructure needs at each building including building systems, roofs, vehicle and pedestrian circulation, windows, doors, and brickwork — improvements that exceed annual maintenance budgets.

Improve educational spaces, including areas to support Career and Technical Education (CTE): Educational spaces across various schools need to be improved including Special Education, Industrial Tech and CTE, High School FACS, Intermediate School Media Center, and flexible/collaborative breakout areas. 

Provide more space for students across all grades: The Primary School and Middle School are overcapacity. As enrollment continues to increase at the Intermediate School, space is lacking. The local community is growing and space is needed to serve those students well both indoors and outdoors.  

Due to expiring debt, if question 1 is approved, there would be a $0 net tax increase to District residents above the current tax rate. If both questions 1 and 2 are approved, the tax impact on a $200,000 residential home in the District would be about $2.25 a month. Find out your tax impact at BulldogsStrong.com/cost. Make sure your vote is counted by voting early in person at the District Office from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. through Monday, November 1. Early voting is also available at home via absentee ballot. Visit BulldogsStrong.com/vote for more information and don’t forget to vote on or before Tuesday, November 2.