Voters in the Big Lake School District approved one of three referendum questions on the ballot during the General Election on Tuesday. 

The approved question, the first on the ballot, renewed the district’s technology levy. The levy will continue to provide the district with approximately $900,000 per year for the next decade to maintain student devices, curriculum subscriptions, software and technology staff. The renewal will take effect with taxes payable in 2026, after the conclusion of the levy’s current term.

Questions Two and Three of the referendum were both rejected. Question Two asked voters to consider an operating levy increase of $400 per pupil over the next decade to support the district’s general fund and pay for expenses that state funding alone can not cover. Question Three asked voters to consider a $29 million investment to build a multi-purpose facility for special education, activities and community events.

As of Wednesday morning, reported vote totals were 4,922 in favor and 4,480 against for Question One, 4,196 in favor and 5,224 against for Question Two, and 3,781 in favor and 5,559 against for Question Three.

“We are grateful to our community for renewing the technology levy,” said Tonya Reasoner, School Board Chair. “For the last decade, the levy has been instrumental to incorporating technology into our classrooms to help prepare students for today’s workforce. We’re excited to see that continue.”

District leaders say that they will continue to seek solutions to inadequate state funding and rising demand for special education and community activity space. Questions Two and Three sought to address these issues.

“We respect the decision of voters. This vote does not change our mission to provide every student with the best education we can,” said superintendent Tim Truebenbach. “We’ll continue to explore ways to keep our district financially healthy and meet the needs of our community.”