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Staff Writer & Editor
Jennifer Edwards & Gary Meyer
The levy referendum is Tuesday, when Big Lake voters are asked to vote on whether or not to increase the school district’s operating levy. Voting is in the community room at Independence School. Enter through Door J.
Hours of voting are from 7 a.m. through 8 p.m.
Big Lake Schools is asking voters to revoke its existing operating levy of $178.96 pr pupil and replace it with a levy for $653.96 per pupil, which equates to a $465 per pupil increase.
If it passes, it will provide about $2.6 million per year to the school general fund for the next 10 years.
Approval of question one would give the district an additional $475 per student, or about $1.6 million annually, at a cost of approximately $12.50 per month based on a home valued at $175,000.
Owners of commercial-industrial properties and apartments would see the same net tax effect.
Approval of question two would provide an additional $400,00 per year for 10 years for purchasing installing and maintaining software and devices for instruction, greater speeds and reliability, access to classroom technology and teacher training. Cost to an average homeowner would be around $4 per month, however, question two cannot pass unless question one passes first.
Owner of a commercial property valued at $250,000 would pay an additional $132 a year; a $500,000 property, $288 a year.
Big Lake is in the bottom 10 percent in the state when it comes to school funding. Big Lake students get less funding than students in Becker or Monticello.
“Last week I talked to the Big Lake City Council about the future of the community and economic development,” Supt. Steve Westerberg said. “They have a vested interest. The levy referendum is more than a school district referendum. It is a community referendum for the future of Big Lake.”
Last year, Big Lake Schools approved a general fund cutback of $1.2 million, laying off several teachers, to stay in line with projected revenues this year.
The school is projecting a budget shortfall of $1 million for the 2016-17 school year, which would lead to more cuts. Passage of the referendum would restore staff and curriculum, school officials say.
Anyone with any questions about the school levy is encouraged to call ( 763) 262-5266 to get their questions answered. There is also information on the school website at biglakeschools.org/levy or communications @biglakeschools.org.
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