Investing in our district’s future
Big Lake Schools is asking voters to consider three ballot questions during the referendum on Tuesday, November 5. Each question applies to a different type of funding source, each with a different purpose. Our district is committed to explaining the goals of each proposed levy to help residents make an informed decision on the plan.
Learn more about each ballot question!
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Question One would renew our district’s existing technology levy for a 10-year term. This extension would continue to provide approximately $900,000 each year to support student devices, software updates, digital curriculum, and technology personnel and training.
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Question Two would increase our district’s general education revenue by $400 per pupil for a 10-year term. This funding would help our district support classroom curriculum and materials, small class sizes, facility operations, salaries and other educational expenses that cannot be covered with state funding alone. It would bring our district in line with the state average for local funding and provide equitable support for learning relative to similarly sized districts in Minnesota.
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Question Three would invest $29 million to build a new multi-purpose facility, which would include new curricular space for special education, physical education, student activities, and community education and events. Special education spaces would serve students with the greatest needs who are unable to learn in a typical classroom setting. These spaces would also serve the special education cooperative. Question Three is contingent upon Question Two passing.
- The 80,000 square foot track multi-purpose facility will include:
- Six setting IV special education classrooms (for students who are unable to learn in a typical classroom setting)
- Occupational therapy spaces, including sensory rooms
- Special education staff offices
- Nurse/health office
- Special education cafeteria space
- Restrooms
- Storage space
- Five-lane running track
- Elevated walking track
- Four gymnasium stations/courts
- Locker/changing rooms
The activities space would be available for community education and events, and for use by individuals, teams, and organizations outside of our district based on availability. More details about the space will be made available as architects finalize preliminary designs.
The footprint pictured above is a preliminary look at the multi-purpose facility described by Question Three of the referendum. Detailed design plans will be created with community input if Question Three is approved by voters during the referendum on Tuesday, November 5.
Question One - Renewal of the Technology Levy
Question One of the Thriving Together referendum asks voters to consider renewing our district's 10-year technology levy. Over the last decade, this levy has been instrumental to providing students with modern tools and technology to enhance their learning. Watch to learn more from our educators about the proposed renewal and its impact on students!
Stay tuned for other videos that explore the ballot questions and projected impacts of the November referendum!
How was this plan developed?
School board members and district leaders are constantly exploring opportunities to improve education and respond to future challenges to education. Our district took several steps to create a plan that addresses our top challenges at an ideal time for our community.
Community Survey
In March 2024, our district performed a representative survey of our community to identify the top priorities for investments and ensure that the referendum questions met residents’ expectations.
A majority of residents agreed that the proposed questions address important community needs such as academic support, technology resources, small class sizes, and special education and activities space.
Commitment to Responsible Tax Management
The Big Lake School Board is committed to protecting progress in our schools while keeping taxes stable for residents.
The proposed plan was developed to prepare for the expiration of our district’s technology levy, and debt payments on past building and renovation projects.
Questions One and Three of the referendum would essentially renew both of these levies, if passed. This timing would enable our district to continue investments in our buildings and digital curriculum without increasing taxes.
What if the referendum does not pass?
If voters reject Question One:
Our district will risk losing over $900,000 in annual funding for learning technology after the end of next year. General funds will likely be shifted from other programming to help support technology-related expenses that support student learning and achievement.
If voters reject Question Two:
Our district will receive no additional voter-approved funding to support classroom curriculum and materials, small class sizes, facility operations, salaries and other education expenses, and will remain approximately 37% below the state average.
If voters reject Question Three:
Our district will continue to lack adequate space for special education, curricular programming, physical education and activities, and community events. The school board will consider using their existing taxing authority to fund allowable health and safety projects via the state’s Long-Term Facilities Maintenance program and keep our school tax rate stable. Question Three is dependent upon Question Two passing.