The Becker Public Schools Board of Education is reaching out to all parents, students, staff and district residents in the next few weeks to gather input about educational facilities needs with a community-wide survey.

The School Board Facility Committee has developed the survey following a Facilities Study and Enrollment Assessment, which was completed during the spring of 2020.

The survey will ask stakeholders to weigh in on facility projects throughout the Becker School District that address safety and security, aging infrastructure, educational needs, as well as additional classrooms to meet the demands of the district’s growing student enrollment. The results will guide the school board’s decision on how best to move forward with a bond referendum next spring.

The School Board recognizes that this plan must also reflect the priorities of all stakeholders. Therefore, the district is urging everyone to participate in this important district-wide effort as we prepare to make important decisions that will impact the community for many years.

“Our goal in conducting the survey is to allow every citizen to have a voice in the planning process,” said Supt. Jeremy Schmidt. “We have identified that this is a need to prepare for the future of the Becker School District and an ideal time financially for the district to explore addressing our needs. Now, we want to know if the community agrees as well as where their priorities lie. This process will allow us to do that.”

Schmidt is referencing the low interest rates and competitive construction costs as well as an upcoming reduction in the district’s debt payments that will allow the Becker Schools to complete projects with little or no tax impact to district residents.  These benefits weigh heavily into addressing the needs of the schools at this time.

To assist with data gathering efforts, the School Board is working with School Perceptions LLC, an independent firm with expertise in conducting community surveys. All survey data is returned to School Perceptions and all responses remain anonymous.

Each residence in the School District will be receiving one paper survey in the mail the week of Oct. 26. Respondents will have the option to complete the paper survey and mail it back in a postage pre-paid envelope or participate online using a code provided on the survey.

Households with more than one adult interested in providing a response can request an additional survey code or paper survey by calling the district at (763) 261-4502.

Survey results will be presented at the Nov. 23, School Board meeting and will also be available on the district website at www.becker.k12.mn.us.

For additional information, please contact Superintendent Jeremy Schmidt at (763) 261-4502.