Big Lake Schools has launched a dedicated website — BigLakeThrivingTogether.org — to provide district residents with information about the school referendum on the ballot this November. The site will serve as the go-to source for details on the district’s three-question proposal to voters.

The referendum asks voters to consider three measures:

Question One asks to renew the district’s existing technology levy for a 10-year term to support the district’s 1:1 device program, software updates, digital curriculum, and the costs of technology personnel and related training.

Question Two asks to increase the district’s general education revenue by $400 per pupil for a 10-year term to support essential district operations, including classroom materials, small class sizes, facility operations, salaries and other educational expenses.

Question Three asks to invest $29 million to build a new multi-purpose facility, which would include new space for special education, physical education, activities, and community education and events. Approval of Question Three will be contingent on the approval of Question Two.

Included in the referendum website are details about the challenges each question seeks to address, how each question would support student learning, the tax impact if approved and how residents can vote.

“When our community heads to the polls in November, we want everyone to feel confident that they can make a clear and informed vote on these questions,” said Superintendent Tim Truebenbach. “It is important that we are transparent and proactive in sharing the details of this decision with voters.”

The website will be updated with additional information as it becomes available, such as details of the proposed multi-purpose facility that continue to be defined through work with architects. Answers to frequently asked questions from residents will also be added regularly. The district welcomes all community members to learn about the plan.

“There’s something in this plan for every student,” said Truebenbach. “We want to address both the specific needs of our special education students and extracurricular activities, but also holistically invest in areas that support all students like technology and small class sizes.”

Residents with questions about the investment plan and the referendum are encouraged to visit BigLakeThrivingTogether.org/connect or contact Superintendent Truebenbach at t.truebenbach@biglakeschools.org.