As students settle into the first month of the new school year, Big Lake Schools is preparing for an important date; a district-wide referendum on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Voters will decide on three questions that seek to continue and enhance investments in curriculum, special education, and space for student activities and community events.

In 2015, voters approved a 10-year technology levy that now provides approximately $900,000 annually for student devices, software, and cybersecurity. If the levy expires in 2026, our district will lose the funding, forcing a reevaluation of the budget districtwide in an effort to maintain technology. Question One of the upcoming referendum asks voters to renew the levy for another 10 years, ensuring students continue to benefit from up-to-date technology without increasing taxes.

Question Two asks for a $400 per pupil increase in general education revenue to address a gap in state funding. Schools statewide receive relatively less funding today than they did 20 years ago and costs for many learning essentials have risen significantly. If approved, this revenue increase would help our district maintain class sizes, curriculum, and operations without the need to reevaluate the districtwide budgets.

Finally, Question Three proposes a $29 million investment to build a 80,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility. This addition would connect the high school and middle school buildings, and address overcrowded physical education spaces and growing demand for special education space. 

Currently, our district lacks sufficient space to serve special education students who need a specialized environment that meets their needs.  This forces some students and staff to travel to leased facilities further away from their homes. The new facility would include six specialized classrooms, therapy spaces, and offices for special education staff, allowing students throughout the Sherburne and Northern Wright Special Education Cooperative to receive improved services.

The multipurpose facility would also include a running track, gym stations, and locker rooms for student and community use to accommodate growing demand for competition space and fitness in our community. Approval of Question Three is contingent on the passage of Question Two.

The referendum was designed to meet the needs of our district while maintaining a steady tax rate. Only Question Two would result in a new tax for property owners, if approved. Questions One and Three would extend existing taxes that residents have already approved but are set to expire within the next couple of years. 

If approved, the tax impact of Question Two will depend on the value of your property. For example, the tax impact of Question Two on a home valued at $300,000 would be approximately $11 per month, starting in 2025. Property owners can calculate their specific tax impact using the tax calculator at BigLakeThrivingTogether.org/taximpact.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, at the same locations as the general election. The three referendum questions will appear toward the end of your ballot, so don’t miss them before submitting your vote!

Early voting is also available via mail-in absentee ballot, or in person at the Sherburne County Auditor’s office weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 13880 Business Center Drive NW, Elk River, MN 55330.

Our district is committed to providing every member of our community with the resources they need to make an informed vote in this opportunity to shape the future of our schools. To learn more about the referendum, visit BigLakeThrivingTogether.org. You can also reach out to me at t.truebenbach@biglakeschools.org with any questions.

I hope to see everyone at the polls on Nov. 5!